Issue Position: Changing Congress

Issue Position

Changing Congress

Overwhelmingly, Americans know Washington is broken. Congress hasn't passed a budget since 2009. The benefits and perks of public office often outweigh those found in the private sector. Our elected officials spend more time at the podium criticizing each other, and less time getting to know each other as Americans and working to find common ground to address our nation's challenges. This is wrong. It hurts our country, and I will remain committed to changing these things during my season of public service.

I learned about the principle of leadership by example as a young Marine at Parris Island, and I brought that mind set with me to Washington. The change must begin with me! In that spirit, I cut my own salary by 15% (nearly $50,000 over two years) and returned that portion to the U.S. Treasury to go towards paying down the deficit. I also declined all of the federally-subsidized health and retirement benefits.

My very first bill in Congress was the "Lead by Example Act," which ensures that members of Congress only receive their taxpayer-funded, matching retirement contribution if they pass a budget and that budget reduces the federal deficit from the previous year.

In 2012 I co-founded the Fix Congress Now Caucus with a Republican colleague and two Democratic colleagues. Our mission is simple: we will identify, agree upon, and move forward legislation and rule changes that will fix this institution of Congress to such a degree that we fully meet our deep obligation to our fellow Americans -- and to our children and grandchildren. We will be bold in our efforts to truly make a difference.

Part of this is ending the careerism that is rampant in Washington. To do this, we have to hold our elected officials accountable for the work they do. That is why our caucus has gotten behind the "No Budget No Pay" Act, which prevents Members of Congress from getting paid unless they pass a budget and appropriations bills on time each year. This is a simple concept: pay for performance, as you would in the private sector.

We must also reform the benefits that our elected officials receive so that they are more in line with the private sector, reform the Congressional committee structure and streamline the budgeting process in Washington.

Finally, we must make every effort to truly change the tone of our debate, seek only the facts as we present our solutions to the American people and never question each other's motives when we disagree. There is much work to be done, but we must approach each day as an opportunity to move one step closer to saving our Republic. America is worth fighting for!

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