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Alameda, Contra Costa County, CA | November 6, 2012 Election |
"Mobile" CongressBy Eric SwalwellCandidate for United States Representative; District 15 | |
This information is provided by the candidate |
MOBILE CONGRESS The U.S. House of Representatives was created by the Framers of our Constitution to be the legislative body most accountable to voters; from standing for election every two years to proportional representation across the states, a Member of Congress was originally envisioned to be the voice of the people. The rules and informal practices of the Congress have changed over the years. As travel became easier and communications more broad, Congress evolved from spending less time in Washington, DC and more time at home, in the district, to today's model where the majority of a Member's time is spent in Washington, DC. He or she is expected "home" on weekends or during recess + short breaks to come home to the district and re-connect with constituents. Because communications and travel is easy and accessible, the reasoning is that a Member can be in the Capitol most of the time and still be in touch with the views of the people they represent. I propose that with the rapid advancement of technology and our mobile, instant access culture, that it is time for Congress to evolve and break out of its current post World War II model and adopt rules and practices in-tune with the 21st Century. With smart phones, tablets, video conferencing, and document sharing there is no reason for Congress to be tucked away under the dome for the majority of their time and service. Frankly, I'm more interested in what a person living here has to say about an issue or vote rather than what a D.C. lobbyist thinks. Under our current system, we elect representatives, send them to Congress, and because they spend all their time there, they become unrecognizable creatures of a Beltway Culture. It's time we flip the Congressional schedule on its head and never let our representatives forget where they came from. Here is what I propose:
Currently, the in-fighting amongst Members is preventing them from making decisions to solve our problems. If they spend less time together, arguing amongst themselves, and more time hearing from the people impacted by their inactivity, perhaps Members will be forced to focus and act. The Constitution requires that Congress assemble at least once in every year. I have no set period for time in the Capitol versus time at home, in the district. I do believe when the Congress convenes for a new session and adopts the rules for that session, the schedule can be agreed upon at that time. With ease of travel, we can accommodate and convene in Washington, D.C. for emergency situations. I believe adopting a more mobile Congress will make Members more responsive to their constituents and more efficient in how we handle the business of legislating. |
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Created from information supplied by the candidate: September 9, 2012 17:32
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