Last week, I wrote a column on the importance of the open exchange of ideas and the importance of collectively determining a priority list for Congress as we head into a new year and a new Congress. I asked for feedback from you – what do you want to add to Congress’ priority list? What are your top priorities for the new Congress and what specific ideas do you want to see implemented? 

I received an overwhelming response to the column, with individuals from across the Fourth Congressional District sharing their thoughts and ideas with me. I have spent the past few days reading over those responses that have come into my office through email, as comments to my blog, and as posts on Facebook.

Many of the ideas are bold solutions, and there were several common ideas that individuals believed must be on Congress’ priority list. I want to share with you some of those ideas that I received, share my thoughts and plans on the ideas, and ask for your input as we continue this dialogue.

Get Spending Under Control. John from Chesterfield suggested “that the number one priority should be implementing the Deficit Reduction Plan… is essential that we act immediately, with courage” and Fikisha said on my blog that we must “Get the deficit down....spend my money like it is your own.”

I agree that we must make it our chief priority to get federal spending under control. National debt undermines the ability of our nation to act in our own interest, and we need mechanisms in place to force Congress to enact fiscally responsible spending measures. Some pieces of legislation that I support to get spending under control are:

• cutting spending by 40% over five years. I introduced this bill to cut federal discretionary spending by 10 % each year for the next five years. Read more here.

• balancing the federal budget. I have cosponsored H. J.Res.1, which would create a constitutional amendment to require a balanced budget each year. Read more here.

What do you think of these ideas? Do you have other ideas that you think would work better? Share them with me now.

Reduce the Size and Scope of the Federal Government. Joe from Chester said we should “reduce governmental imposed regulations on industry and reduce the impact various agencies can have on private citizens and industry. Absolutely minimize the number and impact Presidential Czars have on this country and provide Congressional oversight on their activities.”

I believe Americans have a natural skepticism for any government official that has the ability to exercise great power or authority – especially if unchecked.  In its day, czarist Russia had just 18 czars in 300 years.  In the first seven months of its term, the Administration nearly doubled that number.  The “czar” mentality represents a frustration Americans have with the growing, unchecked reach of the federal government into their daily lives. There are several steps we could take to begin to reduce the size and scope of the federal government, including:

• eliminating taxpayer funding for “czars” who hold senior policy-making decisions and are appointed without the consent of the Senate. I have cosponsored a bill to do just that. Read more here.

• prohibiting the expansion of agencies like the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). I have cosponsored a bill that would prohibit the largest expansion of the IRS since World War II. Read more here.

What do you think of these ideas? Do you have other ideas that you think would work better? Share them with me now.

Begin Working Towards Energy Independence. Debra from Smithfield pointed out that we should make energy independence a priority because “energy independence equals American prosperity.”

I could not agree more. Achieving energy independence would help create lasting economic security for our nation and its families, and secure our global competitiveness for years to come. Taking aggressive steps towards achieving energy independence must be a priority for our nation if we want to remain competitive for years to come.

However, any energy plan should be rooted in innovation, not taxation. I introduced a bill, the New Manhattan Project for Energy Independence, which is a bold, lasting solution that will change the trajectory of our nation. The project calls on the United States to reach 50% energy independence in 10 years and 100% in 20 years. Read more here.

What do you think of this plan? Do you have other ideas that you think would work better? Share them with me now.

Create Accountability in Congress. Rodney from Suffolk pointed out “How about Congressmen picking up the tab for their medical, contribute to their retirement, pay social security taxes and agree to a pay freeze. Yes you and the rest of the elected elite should LEAD the way.”

I believe that Congressmen and women should lead the way, which is why I have:

• voted against Member pay raises and cosponsored a bill to prevent automatic pay raises for Members of Congress. Read more here.

• cosponsored a bill to require all legislative branch employees receive their healthcare coverage through new exchanges. Read more here.

• introduced a bill to tie Members’ of Congress salaries to federal spending. The more they spend, the less they make. Read more here.

What do you think of these ideas? Do you have other ideas that you think would work better? Share them with me now.

Prevent Partisanship from Trumping Progress.  Richard from Carrollton urged “Don’t let partisan ideals get in the way of progress. It is time to work together to fix this country.”

I believe we need an open marketplace of ideas to truly address the challenges our nation faces today. We have to take the hatred and rhetoric off the shelf, and we must exchange them for rational and reasonable discussions. One of the ways we can do this is by creating minimum time periods for bills to be posted to the internet so that members and the public can read the bills and voice their support or opposition.

I have cosponsored a bill that would prevent any House rule from waiving the “3-day rule” where bills are required to be made available for at least three days before a vote. The bill also requires that legislation be made available to the general public on the Internet. Read more here.
 
What do you think of this legislation? Do you have other ideas that you think would work better? Share them with me now.

If you have other ideas or you did not get a chance to share your priorities with me, email me here or post your responses on my blog.

"Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”

Continue reading the entire proclamation.