FmrMbrsOfCongress

CLIFF: The decision by the Supreme Court, Buckley v. Valeo (1976) allowed money to be spent without limit in Congressional elections. The Supreme Court decision Citizens United allowed PACs to solicit contributions in any amount, without transparency. So, today we have a surplus of money in campaigns and oftentimes we don’t know where it’s coming from. So we need campaign finance reform which means repeal of citizens united, limiting the time for campaigning like they do in England and Canada and trying to limit the expenditures during this time, contrary to what was created in Buckley. This is simple, but difficult to achieve.

LF: I do not support gerrymandered districts, In fact, one of the causes of partisanship in the House of Representatives is the fact that so many of our districts are gerrymandered, to be strongly Republican or strongly Democratic, and are not competitive, in general elections. It is the responsibility of each state to determine how they draw their respective districts. Much attention is being paid in the states, including my home state of Virginia, determining how this process can be done more fairly to obtain a better representation for our people.

CLIFF: The best way is to make an appointment with your Member of Congress, in their statewide office and to present any information you think that makes your case, for your issue. Oftentimes, Members of Congress do not see your emails. So, a person to person meeting is the best way to reinforce your position. If you strongly support your Member of Congress, then you should consider contributing to their campaign and attending fundraisers and be on their team, if you believe in their stewardship.

LF: I agree with Cliff. But, I also feel that phone calls and emails are useful ways to let your Member know whether you favor or oppose particular legislation. Members frequently look at the number of emails and calls in favor, vs. emails and calls opposed, to get a quick view of constituents feelings on a particular issue or vote.

LF: Surprise!

One of the important jobs of the Congress is to provide oversight of the Administration. The Constitution, in Article I, the Congress, and Article II, the Presidency, indicates that the Congress should provide this oversight. Lately, it seems that some of the actions of Congressional committees is more about supporting the actions of the Administration, than providing the required oversight. So, keeping this matter in front of the public and the Congress, as you are doing, is very important, as we approach elections where issues like this will be discussed and Members who understand and respect the Constitution can then be elected.

LF: Partisanship today is as pronounced as I have seen it in the past thirty years. There are a number of attempts within Congress to limit the partisanship today, most notably, in the House of Representatives is the Problem Solvers Caucus. This group of 40 Democrats and 40 Republicans meet regularly to determine what issues they can agree on and spend time looking at policy solutions and legislation that can be accomplished. This effort is getting increased attention. As it forces Members to focus on points of agreement, as opposed to more commonly, those points of disagreement. This effort though recent, seems to be catching on and will eventually help reduce partisanship within the Congress.