Friday, December 20, 2024

Congress' Lack of Transparency is a Choice

The federal government is facing a potential shutdown because Congress did not pass a temporary funding bill that includes "emergency" items like a pay raise for its members. The way Congress operates, such as dropping a 1,500-page bill for immediate approval without adequate review, raises concerns about weakness and corruption. This process is particularly frustrating for disaster victims in North Carolina who will see delays in receiving aid due to Congress's inability to prioritize and make decisions.

The current process is deemed absurd and not normal. Critics, including Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, highlight the madness of how modern Congress operates. The talk is not about creating a better temporary resolution, but about rethinking the entire budgeting process based on the founders' ideals of limited government. Congress has not passed its essential appropriations bills in 27 years, leading taxpayers to question why Congress, which has not performed its basic job properly, deserves a raise.

Instead of simply trying to pass lengthy bills on time, Congress should rethink its structure using the Constitution as a guide. Congress is not forced to create a crisis every year; it can reduce the number of federal agencies and handle fewer bills in a more open and transparent manner. Limiting the number of agencies could ease oversight and increase transparency while preventing funding crises.

If members of Congress find the work too difficult or fear the consequences of a shutdown, they should have open and transparent discussions and vote on contentious issues, like their pay raises, until they reach a consensus. Taxpayers demand Congress to fulfill its responsibilities and work hard.

The author recalls a past experience working for a Congressman who successfully obstructed spending issues and highlights that individual efforts can lead to significant change. The piece concludes that the problem lies not with outsiders like Musk but with Congress itself. 

https://openthebooks.substack.com/p/congress-lack-of-transparency-is?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=775254&post_id=153374248&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=1mr4m3&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email

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