Idea Worth Sharing: Congressional Reform Act of 2013

I regularly receive Conservative-based email threads from my Father and Grandpa. I cannot always say that I agree with everything I receive, but nonetheless give them a fair consideration. This is a viable consideration and should seriously be considered. Cutting salaries and benefits to congressional elites will make a small dent by national debt and GDP standards, but holding those people who write the policies liable for what they pass will certainly make them consider the voice of the people. Ultimately, to pass such a policy, it will take strong public, judicial and executive branch initiatives.

Mount Washington- Presidential Range

*Congressional Reform Act of 2013

1. No Tenure / No Pension.

A Congressman/woman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they're 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.

3. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do.

4. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise.Congressional pay 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.

6. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American people.

7. All contracts with past and present Congressmen/women are void effective 12/31/13. The American people did not make this contract with Congressmen/women.

Congressmen/women 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.