3 ways to improve Congress – Part I: Increase Capacity
This is the first in a three-part series examining ways to improve Congress.
– Pursuing intellectual honesty in politics –
This is the first in a three-part series examining ways to improve Congress.
Term limits won’t fix what we dislike about career politicians, but voters can. To improve the quality of our leaders, voters should exercise greater discretion at the ballot box. Our democratic process already requires regularly scheduled elections that can overturn regrettable votes. But imposing time limitations on Members of Congress only prevents exceptional leadership from emerging without promising that new politicians will be any better.
I love seeing which books made an impact on people. This year I’m sharing my own reading list along with a few comments/quotes. Interested to hear what you read as well.
On balance, Judge Kavanaugh – though well credentialed and impressive in several respects – failed to demonstrate sober discretion both in his professional past and during the nomination hearings. The Supreme Court simply demands more.
We can avoid such contentious nominations in the future by putting more effort towards electing effective legislators rather than relying on the Supreme Court to fulfill our policy goals and by restoring the filibuster in the Senate.
Outdated ethanol policies failed to live up to their promise. Will new EPA leadership allow them to continue?
[Pictured above: The original Senate Subway takes Members and staff to and from the Capitol from the Russell Senate Office Building.]
The conflict inherent to our polarized public discourse is most often rooted in the means rather than the ends. Simply making this distinction should help cool our tempers. A mutually sincere interest in finding policy solutions for shared values should guide our debates.
With only two parties representing the melting pot of America, Congress can’t please everyone. Such is life in a democracy. But is the process by which outcomes are made fair? Or is the integrity of our democracy at risk?
David Brooks’ latest column is exceptional in its critique of the Republican Party, leading up to the Alabama Senate race between Roy Moore and Doug Jones. Three passages in particular are worth another look with minimal commentary from me.
The House and Senate take action on tax reform legislation. I view the bill as a net positive, but it’s far from perfect. Ultimately, voters need to improve the quality of our legislators to ensure better outcomes.
Tax reform is well underway in Washington. The House passed its plan last week, and the Senate aims to vote on another version after Thanksgiving.