Congressional members, whether at the state or federal level, are elected to serve the public, not to pursue personal gain or cater to special interests. However, as national, state, and municipal deficits continue to soar, the needs of the constituents remain marginalized. It's evident that Congress has failed to make meaningful strides toward benefiting the public they serve.

In recognition of the principle that government should prioritize public service over financial gain, it is imperative to address the significant flaws plaguing the American Congress:

1.  **Partisan Gridlock**: Political polarization has led to gridlock, hindering legislative progress.
2.  **Money in Politics**: Heavy reliance on fundraising can sway lawmakers' decisions, undermining the representation of constituents.
3. **Gerrymandering**: Politically motivated redistricting fosters uncompetitive districts, eroding accountability.
4. **Lobbying Influence**: Interest groups and lobbyists wield undue influence over lawmakers, skewing policy decisions.
5. **Inefficiency**: Cumbersome congressional processes impede effective problem-solving.
6. **Lack of Diversity**: Congress often lacks diversity, leading to the underrepresentation of certain groups.

Addressing these flaws requires significant reforms to enhance transparency, diminish the influence of money in politics, foster bipartisanship, and ensure equitable representation for all citizens. Join us in advocating for a Congress that truly serves the public interest the following aims to facilitate this change!

I propose the following Congressional Reform Act 

 

Section 1: Purpose 

The purpose of this Act is to reform the conduct of the United States Congress to ensure accountability, transparency, and representation of the people's interests.

Section 2: Accountability to Constituents

1. Members of Congress being elected by the people and shall serve at the pleasure of the people.
2. A member of Congress shall represent the interests of their constituents and may not prioritize party politics over the welfare of their constituents. Members of congress must not deceive constituents with false narratives or manipulated information. Full transparency with the public and cooperation with other members of the congressional body for the benefit of the people they serve shall be paramount. Failure to do so, without constituent support garnered through factual, transparent, and unadulterated facts, may lead to impeachment brought by a quorum of the congresspersons constituency.

 

Section 3: Representation of Constituent Will

 

1. If a member of Congress receives a petition from their district representing a quorum of that district’s population, the member shall act, vote, and lobby in alignment with that quorum.
2. Only in the event that a petition is deemed unconstitutional may the congressperson disregard said petition.
3. Congress shall serve no more than two terms.

Section 4: Campaign Finance Reform

1. Congressional campaign funds may only come from individuals residing in the respective district of the candidate receiving funds. 
2. Contributions shall be limited to $2,000.00 per contributor and may only be made anonymously.
3. Contributions from corporations or professional entities are prohibited.

Section 5: Regulation of Political Action Committees (PACs) 

1. PACs and other entities, or individuals are prohibited from promoting or distributing intentionally misleading information or presenting information out of context which could falsely influence the public or impugn the character of individuals.

Section 6: Congressional Compensation

1. Members of Congress shall make no more than the median income of the district which they represent, derived from the bottom 80% of earners.
2. Congress shall receive no income other than their compensation for service in Congress, during the Congressperson's term.
3. Members owning or running businesses may earn income from their ownership but must abstain from voting on policies directly impacting their business interests. In addition, said ownership may not impact the congress members carrying out their congressional duties.
4. Members of congress may not participate in the Civil Service Retirement System, but may pay into and receive Social Security, and contribute to a 401(k) controlled by the blind trust during their term. 

Section 7: Conflict of Interest

1. Congress Shall establish a blind trust and shall place all investments into the blind trust for the duration of their term(s), and may not engage in the trade of securities or other financial instruments either directly or indirectly during the member's term.
2. Members must provide and publish a public earning statement each year. The earnings statement shall include a full accounting of all income, reimbursements, and sources of funds for that fiscal year.
3. Members may not receive compensation for speaking engagements, or other activities during their term other than to be provided with commercially reasonable travel and lodging by the engagement. Travel, Lodging, dining, or any other offerings shall be declared to a congressional administrative oversight department by the participating member as soon as practical. Such an activity shall be considered part of the members civil service. 
4. Members must abstain from voting or influencing policy that directly impacts/benefits their personal business interests.

Section 8: Healthcare and Residence Requirement

1. Congress shall purchase health, eye, and dental insurance on the open market exchange provided by their state.
2. Members of Congress must live in the district they represent for at least five years prior to election and throughout their term.

Section 9: Congressional Travel

1. Congressional travel shall be through commercial means.
2. Travel must be submitted and approved by the Congressional Budget Office.
3. Approved travel must be for the purpose of traveling to and from districts or destinations with a quorum of other committee members for official governmental business.

Section 10: Enforcement

The enforcement of this Act shall be overseen by appropriate congressional committees and agencies responsible for Congressional ethics and compliance.

Section 11: Effective Date

This Act shall take effect immediately upon passage.

Section 12: Severability

If any provision of this Act is held invalid, the remainder of the Act shall not be affected.

This is enacted by the United States Congress to uphold the principles of democracy, integrity, and accountability in the legislative process.