Force congress to vote on ethics reform
We the people of the United States of America have resolved to take back our country. The current political system no longer represents the will of the majority of Americans. We signatories represent a broad expanse of political ideology and believe in the ethos of a loyal opposition. Collectively we have come to the realization that our Congress is incapable of creating limits to their own power. As such we are taking back the power we grant them and mandating that the following initiatives be included as a ballot referendum for the Citizens of the United States to decide.
The first being a limit of terms served by Senators to two and members of the house of representatives to four. A one time extension of one term should be granted for the positions of Speaker of the House and Senate Majority leader. Any current member who at the time of ratification has served more than the allowable terms will be granted the opportunity for one additional term with no extension granted for leadership position.
The second being a forced divestment of stock holdings and a barring of any trading while serving as a member of Congress.
The third being a restriction on government contracts for companies associated with any member of Congress. No contract will be awarded to a company who employs a member or their direct family. Direct family being defined as parents, children or siblings of a sitting member.
The fourth being a reinstatement of the cloture rule to every procedure and an abolition of the nuclear option. It is our view that the nuclear option has only driven partisanship into the equation. In order for any decision to benefit all Americans a consensus needs to be reached. A simple majority of the leading party at best represents only approximately half of the population with our current two party system.
It is our hope that these measures will inject civility back into our political system and create a limit on individual power held by long serving members of Congress.
The first being a limit of terms served by Senators to two and members of the house of representatives to four. A one time extension of one term should be granted for the positions of Speaker of the House and Senate Majority leader. Any current member who at the time of ratification has served more than the allowable terms will be granted the opportunity for one additional term with no extension granted for leadership position.
The second being a forced divestment of stock holdings and a barring of any trading while serving as a member of Congress.
The third being a restriction on government contracts for companies associated with any member of Congress. No contract will be awarded to a company who employs a member or their direct family. Direct family being defined as parents, children or siblings of a sitting member.
The fourth being a reinstatement of the cloture rule to every procedure and an abolition of the nuclear option. It is our view that the nuclear option has only driven partisanship into the equation. In order for any decision to benefit all Americans a consensus needs to be reached. A simple majority of the leading party at best represents only approximately half of the population with our current two party system.
It is our hope that these measures will inject civility back into our political system and create a limit on individual power held by long serving members of Congress.
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