The holiday season is a great time to reflect on changes we would like to see in the next session of Congress – and resolve to work in the coming year to make those changes a reality. In keeping with that spirit, here are a few items on my Christmas list and, I hope, on yours.
“CHECKING IT TWICE…”
I believe all members of Congress should be required to read legislation before voting, and given sufficient time to do so.
“AND IF YOU EVER SAW IT…”
I will make sure all legislation is posted in final form for a minimum of 72 hours before it can eligible for a vote.
“NO STOCKING STUFFERS…”
I want to limit all legislation to one discrete subject per bill, outlawing the practice of tagging on unpopular and unrelated legislation to bills that must pass.
“I’M TELLING YOU WHY…”
I believe all legislation must contain a statement of the enumerated constitutional authority which allows the legislation. If our Constitution does not specifically allow Congress to make a specific law or regulation, they shouldn’t be allowed to pass it.
“WHO’S NAUGHTY OR NICE…”
I want to make sure Congress will no longer vote themselves pay raises. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3% and even then by two-thirds, on-the-record, roll-call vote.
“SILVER BELLS… NOT GOLDEN PARACHUTES…”
There should be no elite congressional pensions: Members of Congress can contribute to their own retirement plan like rest of us.
“DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR?”
I believe Congress must equally abide in all laws they impose on the American people. No congressional exemptions from the laws they pass on the rest of us.
“GOD BLESS US ALL… EVERYONE!”
I want Congress to lose their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.
“AND TO ALL, A GOODNIGHT…”
I believe in Term Limits: The next Congress must enact legislation to make a constitutional change, to be ratified by the states, limiting the terms of all Senators and Representatives in Congress.
State Representative John J. Loughlin II is running for the First Congressional District of Rhode Island.
http://www.johnloughlin.org/