The career politicians now serving in Congress have rewarded themselves with excellent pay (which they themselves can raise whenever they want), superb health insurance (unavailable to the general public except through exorbitant premiums), and a very generous retirement plan (which would be the envy of even the strongest union). And this doesn't even take into account the huge expense accounts and other numerous perks. While these politicians are extraordinarily stingy when it comes to helping the poor, children, the elderly, and the unemployed, they have spared no effort in providing a life of ease for themselves.
This needs to change. being elected to serve the American people in Congress should not be a ticket to Easy Street. While they can provide a valuable public service (theoretically), this should not make them any different or any more special than any other American citizen. That's why I think the following proposed changes make a lot of sense.
These proposed changes have been floating around the internet for a little while now. Some have ascribed them to Warren Buffett (and he has urged they be discussed by all Americans). I don't know if he came up with them or not, but I do think they would be a good start on solving some of the problems with Congress (whether passed as a law or as a constitutional amendment). Once members of Congress are forced to live like other Americans (such as having the same health and retirement benefits), they may actually pay a little more attention to the problems of ordinary Americans. Here are the proposed changes:
1. No Tenure / No Pension.
A Congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when
they are out of office.
A Congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when
they are out of office.
2. Congress (past, present &future) participates in Social Security.
All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security
system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system,
and Congress participates with the American people. It may not be used for
any other purpose.
All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security
system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system,
and Congress participates with the American people. It may not be used for
any other purpose.
3. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans
do.
do.
4. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay
will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.
will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.
5. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the
same health care system as the American people.
same health care system as the American people.
6. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American
people.
people.
7. All contracts with past and present Congressmen are void effective
1/1/12. The American people did not make this contract with Congressmen.
Congressmen made all these contracts for themselves. Serving in Congress
is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen
legislators, so ours should serve their term(s), then go home and back to
work.
1/1/12. The American people did not make this contract with Congressmen.
Congressmen made all these contracts for themselves. Serving in Congress
is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen
legislators, so ours should serve their term(s), then go home and back to
work.
Whilst I doubt that you and I could agree on much I am happy to say that I agree with the general, if not the detailed, thrust of your post. The growth of the professional politican is malignant and it is a rich irony that it has developed as a direct result of the extended franchise which began, in my country at least, during the 19th century.
ReplyDeleteSome have suggested limited tenure but there is a danger that that will result in the talented baby being thrown out with the bathwater.
It's a tricky problem and I'm not sure your proposals are entirely satisfactory. Although I treat *all* politicans with a mixture of fear and contempt, I do want to attract the most talented and that means offering them all a generous remuneration which takes into account that they could be turned out on the street, so to speak, at the end of their term. So, for example, I would continue to pay them for two years after they have been thrown out to give them time to find another occupation.
It should be a flat salary with a flat and modest housing and travel allowance and, of course, the provision of free office and communications in Washington. Any increases must be proposed and passed by both houses at the rat eof only one proposal every five years to take effect two years after it is passed.
I agree wholeheartedly with your proposal that no Congressman can ever be exempt from the laws of the land. And I would insist that all income from whatever source obtained by a Congressman or his close family must be published.
Interesting topic and I do not think my suggestions are the last word.