Wm.sonMar 8

#NOTUS #FourWaysToFixCongress #Opinion #USPolitics

Ganesh Sitaraman
Vanderbilt Law School

The Supreme Court — a body of nine unelected judges who, once confirmed, can serve for life — plays an increasingly powerful role in shaping the laws that govern our country. In recent decades, on topics as varied as labor, employment law, health care and immigration, the court has served as the final arbiter on issues that should be, at least constitutionally speaking, in Congress’ hands.

For 30 years, Congress has been able to rein in the power of federal agencies through the Congressional Review Act, a law that allows federal regulations to be overturned with a simple majority and a signature from the president. A similar check should be extended to an increasingly heavy-handed Supreme Court when it considers matters of statute. Congress could have, for example, 30 days to decide whether to respond to a court ruling, and another 30 days for a committee to propose a clarification or revision of the statute — under a fast-track process. This reform would put our most representative branch — Congress — back in charge of the public policy decisions that impact us all.

Ganesh Sitaraman is a professor at Vanderbilt Law School and director of the Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator.

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End silent procedural obstruction. Require the talking filibuster.
Chris Wingate
The Heritage Foundation

Congress’s day-to-day functioning would improve significantly if the Senate ended silent procedural obstruction and instead required the talking filibuster — thereby promoting visible, sustained debate on major legislation.

Polling consistently shows broad support for mandating proof of citizenship to vote — which means that legislation like the SAVE America Act deserves real debate and a clear up-or-down outcome. Congress should not allow the bill to stall through procedural delay, especially when the public is this aligned on protecting the integrity of our elections. The same is true for core responsibilities like funding the Department of Homeland Security at a time of heightened national security risk. Differences of opinion warrant deliberation — not quiet procedural delay.

Unified government carries responsibility. When voters deliver governing majorities, Congress should deliberate openly and decide decisively. Visible debate strengthens legitimacy, clarifies differences and restores public trust.

Chris Wingate is the government relations director at The Heritage Foundation and a former staffer for Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas. He is a retired Army lieutenant colonel and aeromedical evacuation officer. Heritage is listed for identification purposes only. The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect any institutional position for Heritage or its board of trustees.

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Mar 8 at 1:40pmWeb