Is Our Congress Fulfilling Its Duties?
Are our representatives in either house doing what we elect them to do? The question hung in the air, and people on social media often wonder whether their elected officials are truly working in the best interest of their constituents. Indeed, it is evident that both the House of Representatives and the Senate are engaging in partisan behavior that resembles that of spoilt children. In times of crisis, such as the ongoing pandemic, economic downturn, and rising social issues, it becomes even more crucial for our representatives to deliver real results.
What Congress Should Be Doing
When considering the recent election in 2018, it's clear that our representatives are doing what voters elected them to do. The Democratic majority in the House is actively working to obstruct the Republican agenda, conducting thorough investigations of the presidency, and even pursuing impeachments where appropriate. They are laying the groundwork for potential future Democratic initiatives, showing the electorate what can be achieved if their party gains more power.
On the other hand, the Republican-controlled Senate is blocking the Democratic agenda, supporting the president, and approving conservative judges. This alignment with their constituents' expectations and desires is a reflection of the party's mandate from the 2018 election.
However, when we ask our representatives to "elect" rather than "elected" them to do what they are doing, the question becomes more general and complex. Ideally, our representatives should not be solely focused on thwarting the opposition's agenda. Instead, they should aim to find common ground, compromise, and achieve positive change that benefits all Americans. This involves looking beyond partisanship to create policies that can address the pressing needs of the country.
The State of Legislative Effectiveness
While the current Congress is succeeding in blocking the other party's initiatives, this focus on obstruction has limited the ability to pass meaningful legislation that can address the nation's pressing issues. To truly deliver on what voters elect them to do, representatives must prioritize legislative effectiveness over partisan discord. This means working together to find solutions that can overcome ideological barriers and pass bills that make a tangible difference in people's lives.
Partisan gridlock is a serious issue that hinders progress on critical issues such as healthcare, climate change, and economic recovery. Instead of focusing solely on winning at all costs, our representatives should strive to build bipartisan coalitions to pass comprehensive reforms that can benefit the entire nation. This requires a willingness to compromise and a focus on the common good rather than political gain.
Conclusion
While our elected officials are currently delivering on what they were "elected" to do, there is still room for improvement. By focusing on finding common ground, passing effective legislation, and prioritizing the needs of the American people, our representatives can better fulfill their duties and earn the trust of their constituents. Let us hope that in the future, our elected leaders will be more willing to put country over party and work towards solutions that genuinely improve the lives of all Americans.