Rigell: Proposed Congressional Reforms

The American people instinctively know that our Congress is broken, placing America at serious and increasing risk. Many of the problems we are facing in the Second Congressional District and across America, including out-of-control federal spending, bloated bureaucracy, and an ever increasing amount of regulation, are a direct result of a Congress that is completely detached from us and financial reality. There are far too many incentives for members of Congress to make short-term decisions that benefit themselves but hurt America, both short-term and long-term. True congressional reform is something that the people want not only in the Second District, but all across our great land. They want leaders to challenge and change Congress. I have a specific plan to do just that, and the deep resolve to move the plan forward.

I am the only candidate in this election who is moving forward a strong, defined, and aggressive congressional reform agenda. My congressional reform initiatives will challenge and change the parts of Congress that are broken. These reforms benefit the long-term interest of the American people. Because these reforms eliminate the many benefits of being an incumbent, they will not win me friends in Washington from either party.

From eliminating perks and ultra-generous retirement privileges to rolling back the office budget increases Congress voted for recently, I will lead by example and live by my reforms, whether they are enacted into law or not. That’s leadership by example, a principle I learned from my drill instructors at Parris Island in 1978. If I have the high honor of representing the people of the Second District, I am fully committed to changing Congress, rather than having Congress change me.

People often ask how I plan to make a difference as only one person in Congress. It takes the coordinated effort of like-minded leaders to make a difference in Congress, and I have been reaching out for months now to other like-minded candidates across the country. I’m encouraging them to review and commit to the following reforms. In humble recognition that no one person holds all the wisdom, I’ve asked them for their ideas on how to improve the reforms. I invite and encourage you to do the same here. I read and appreciate every post. To pass on the blessings of freedom and liberty, now is the time to tread boldly in reforming our Congress.

Yours in Freedom,
Scott Rigell

I, Scott Rigell, will serve according to these reforms, whether they are enacted into law or not:

1. “No Campaigning at Taxpayers’ Expense Act” – We will roll back congressional office budgets to 2008 levels. Only two direct mail pieces will be sent each year, no closer than 3 months prior to an election, standardized in form and content, one page only, using recycled paper and black and white ink. Using taxpayer funds to pay for robo-calls is specifically prohibited.

2. “Congressional Pension Reform Act” – We will reduce the incentive to stay in Congress by replacing the congressional retirement system in its entirety with a modest 403(b) match program similar to what is commonly offered by American employers. Benefits earned by current members of Congress and retirees would be honored.

3. “Term Limits Initiative” – We pledge to serve no more than 12 years in Congress. We pledge to lead a movement to lawfully amend our United States Constitution to create term limits for members of Congress.

4. “End Free Travel” – We will end free travel, whether sponsored by foundations or lobbyists. Only government trips on official business – real official business – will be allowed.

5. “Voting Records Available Online” – We will publish all Committee votes in full online.

6. “Limits on Lobbying” – We will ban members of Congress, or congressional staffers, from lobbying Congress or being employed by a company that performs lobbying services for five years after they end their tenure or employment.

7. “Constitutional Authority Act” – We will require that any bill presented for consideration include in its first article the constitutional reference and rationale that would make the bill, if passed, constitutional.

8. “Stop the Pork – Stop the Earmarks Act” – We will prohibit the introduction of all non-defense, non-national security related earmarks into any piece of federal legislation. Earmarks will only be allowed for defense-related funding and only when specifically identified and requested by the Department of Defense or Department of Homeland Security.

In addition to my congressional reforms, I am also encouraging other candidates to join me in supporting the following initiatives to improve Congress:

1. Focus On Our Priorities – In firm protest of Congress’ misplaced priorities, evidenced in part by time spent voting on often meaningless proclamations, we will simply vote “present” on such proclamations until our budget is balanced and we are a nation at peace.

2. Fallen Heroes – Federal buildings will be named only after fallen heroes of our armed services, not politicians.

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