To get at the heart of this problem, and problems like it, we need to think big: reforms that will radically reorient Congress as a more responsive, accountable and representative institution.
One possibility: limit the competency of the Senate to matters requiring administration or funding of federal programs by the states; and as to matters within the Senate's purview, give it a suspensive veto only, capable of being overridden in the House. On the House side, establish four year terms, with proportional representation. It would also be helpful, to ensure both effectiveness and accountability, to redistribute administrative competencies, positioning the House as a more parliamentary body. And finally, to top it all off, significant campaign finance reform and reinstitution of the fairness doctrine.
Around the world, people are informed about, and fight for, reforms that benefit average citizens. Here, people seem to be a bit more indolent (excepting the ill informed but well funded reactions we've lately seen to progressive reforms). Perhaps we are disserved by a declining print media press, or perhaps the issues are too complex, given the size and commitments of our government and economy. In any event, I certainly never expect to see such reforms, or frankly any significant reforms directed at the overmastering position of the powerful, or to ameliorate the stagnant incomes or influence of the rest of us. But I can hope.
(And actually, I never thought HCR, in any form at all, would ever pass, so, you never know.)
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