Issue Position: Fix Congress First

Issue Position

Public opinion and approval of Congress and the federal government is at an all-time low -- and rightfully so! Carl DeMaio firmly believes that if we want better results from the federal government, we have to change the culture in Washington by demanding accountability, integrity, and transparency at all levels -- starting with the Congress itself.

Carl DeMaio proposes a bold Fix Congress First Act be passed to change Congress as an institution. Here are some of the reforms in DeMaio's legislative proposal.

Enact a Read the Entire Bill Rule

How many Members of Congress actually read the bills they vote on? Too often, long and complex legislation is introduced and immediately voted on -- without time for Members and the general public to read and understand what the bill contains. Carl DeMaio proposes to pass permanent rule for Congress requiring a 72-hour posting of all legislative language online prior to any vote being cast on the legislation. This will allow Members of Congress and the general public the time to digest and weigh in on laws before they are passed.

Reform Pensions and Health Benefits

Members of Congress voted themselves better pension benefits and health benefits than the vast majority of the people they represent. Carl DeMaio will propose legislation to eliminate the Congressional pension program -- and put Members of Congress in a basic 401(k) retirement account along with basic Social Security.

Cut the Perks: No Free Travel, No Gifts

On the City Council Carl DeMaio self-imposed a ban on free travel and gifts. In stark contrast, many Members of Congress accept tens of thousands in expensive trips around the world and receive gifts from special interests trying to curry favor. Carl DeMaio will propose legislation to ban free travel from outside groups and gifts to Members of Congress.

No Budget, No Pay -- For Real

Washington politicians talk the talk, but they don't walk the walk. Congress should do the job the American people elected it to do: pass a budget on time. If Congress cannot pass a budget on time, the members should permanently forfeit their salary for each and every day they fail to pass a budget.

Single Subject Rule: Stop the Special Interest Provisions

It happens all the time: special interests get powerful Members of Congress to insert special provisions in legislation -- even when the provisions have nothing to do with the topic of the legislation itself. Members may vote on a farm bill, but it may contain numerous provisions on completely unrelated issues. This practice must stop -- and Congress should live under the single-subject rule that many state and local legislative bodies follow. One law, one topic. Keep it simple and stop the games in Washington!

Prohibit Congressional Retaliation Against Whistleblowers

Whistleblowers are courageous individuals who speak out against corruption, waste and fraud. Congress has passed laws providing whistleblowers with protections against retaliation -- but it conveniently exempted itself. Carl DeMaio believes whistleblowers should be protected against retaliation no matter who they work for -- including Congress.

Full Compliance with Workplace, Health and Safety Laws

In 1995 Congress passed the first Congressional Accountability Act that applied some of these laws to Congress, but still left exemptions and provided little enforcement or reporting requirements. It's time to finishing the job, and force Congress to live under all of these workplace, health and safety laws it imposes on the rest of us.

Full Transparency: Apply Open Government Rules to Congress

One of the most powerful laws to promote transparency and accountability in government is the "open records" law called the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). When Congress passed FOIA, it purposely exempted itself from the law.

Every American should be able to request public documents from Members of Congress -- just as they can currently request public documents and records from federal departments and programs. Carl DeMaio will propose legislation to impose the FOIA "open records" law to Congress. It's time to let the sunshine in the halls of Congress!

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