Congressional Reform Act?

Fixing Congress
There are a few good ideas circulating around the Internet. This one captures several thoughts on how to get rid of the corruption in Washington, DC.

With the midterm elections just around the corner, it is imperative that YOU make the right choices. You need to determine if the candidates you vote for would be willing to support these initiatives BEFORE you vote them into office. Ask candidates in a public forum whether they would support these initiatives or not. If they do, get them to put their pledge in writing.

Term Limits for ALL Congressmen & Their Aids - A maximum of 12 years, as follows:

• Two, Six-year Senate terms
• or
• Six, Two-year House terms
• or
• One, Six-year Senate term and three, Two-Year House terms

There should be no exceptions and no one is grandfathered. If present candidates have served longer than the prescribed times, they are done at the end of their term with no pensions.

No Tenure/No Pension -- A Congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no government pay when they are out of office.

Social Security -- Congress must participate in Social Security. All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, and Congress participates with the American people.

Retirement Plan -- Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do. They get NONE from their government service.

Pay Raises -- Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will be based on merit and decided by the taxpayers every 6 years.

Healthcare -- Congress must participate in the same health care system as the American people. If ObamaCare is not repealed, they must participate in it. If it is repealed, they can choose their own private healthcare coverage.

Lobbyists -- Lobbying will be an ILLEGAL felony punishable by 10 years in prison. 20 years if committed by a former Senator or House Representative.

Campaign Finance -- Political campaign funding shall not exceed $1,000 from any individual, union, organization, corporation, or political entity. Violations will be a felony punishable by 20 years in prison.

Serving in Congress is an honor not, a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serving their term(s), then going home and back to work.