A gridlocked, do-nothing Congress does not serve the American people well. We are not making progress to solve problems such as the national debt, annual budget deficits, trade imbalances, jobs, health care, education and poverty.
What concrete reforms could be made to improve our Congress and save money?
The free health-care system for senators and representatives should be eliminated. They should purchase health insurance out of their own pockets like the rest of us. Then they would understand the increased costs in annual premiums, co-pays, caps, etc.
Part of their retirement system should incorporate Social Security and Medicare benefits. Then they would feel the effects of privatization efforts, which make recipients vulnerable to downturns in the stock market as well as to congressional budget cuts.
Congressional salaries should be frozen when the national unemployment rate exceeds 5 percent. Annual raises should be eliminated during financial crises.
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Their defined (guaranteed) benefits pension should be converted into a defined contribution system, from their own pockets, similar to what most of us have now. Then, when recessions occur, they would feel the loss, also.
Term limits of 12 years should be imposed on senators and representatives. After 12 years, let them look for jobs like the rest of us. Is it in the best interests of the American people to have a privileged "politician class"?
Let's see some leadership from our politicians to implement these suggestions. Congress is awash in taxpayer paid-for benefits for itself that are not available to average Americans. Are these the dreaded "entitlements" some want to end? These reductions and eliminations should result in the savings of millions of dollars over the next few years. The benefits to the American people would be immeasurable.
Donald E. Maypole
Lake Nebagamon
