In overhaul plan, Perry proposes part-time Congress

[greiner3]

Source: Columbus Dispatch

"Slashing salaries for the president and members of Congress and freezing all pending federal regulations are part of a far-reaching plan detailed yesterday by Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who said Washington needs a “ complete overhaul.”

"(Perry) also would halve the $174,000 annual salary for members of Congress not in leadership positions. He envisions a part-time Congress, in which members are encouraged to spend more time in their home districts and work “real jobs” outside the Capitol."

"(Perry) would require all federal agencies “to justify every dime of federal spending every year."



Read more: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/national_world/2011/11/16/in-overhaul-plan-perry-proposes-part-time-congress.html

---

First of all, any member of Congress that would actually feel the pinch of half salary is moot; nearly every member is rich enough to live off of their investments, if needed. The mean net worth of a member of the US Senate is several million dollars with Bernie Sanders having the lowest amount of several hundred thousand. Why else would anyone in their right mind spend millions of dollars for a job that would need say 10 years of their projected salary to equal that outlay? Politics for pay has reached virulent stages in the US.

Secondly, Perry calls for a 'part-time' Congress, "He envisions a part-time Congress, in which members are encouraged to spend more time in their home districts and work “real jobs” outside the Capitol." So Perry is saying that a member of the US Congress go back to their home state and sell say insurance or whatever a Congresscritter does when they are not playing politician half of the year?

And thirdly; Holy crap Batman! Imagine the bureaucracy that would ensue to create the extra bookkeeping, both with every federal agency needed to produce reports on one side and the untold amount of people to check those figures, make assessments and then make recommendations as to the feasibility of keeping that one agency, or sub-agency solvent. The mind boggles. This could mean an additional manpower-sorry-that rivals DHS in size.

I realize these statements are meant only to get the 'rabble' roused. I can't imagine any sane person-well it did come from Perry after all-would even suggest this dribble, especially a somewhat front running contender for president.

[Ship of Fools]

1. Isn't it already a part-time entity?? Just sayin ...

[elleng]

11. Yes, quite.

[SoapBox]

12. Yes, it is...I would rather support a NO-time Perry.

We need to be rid of Baggers like him.

[Raven]

2. I notice that he didn't suggest term limits. Interesting. n/t

[former9thward]

13. Term limits are unconstitutional for federal offices.

The Constitution had to be amended to create the two term limit for President. It has not been amended to limit members of Congress.

[Ilsa]

3. A congress critter won't be able to afford living in DC if

The salaries are cut too much and if they aren't stinkin rich already.

[DesertFlower]

5. that's why joe biden commuted to delaware.

he was one of the few members of congress who were not rich.

[DesertFlower]

4. well they want to cut government spending.

[KansDem]

6. Just pay them minimum wage.

At least until the conservatives get rid of minimum wage...

[snappyturtle]

7. Part time Congress=more time with lobbyists. imho nt

[n2doc]

8. I would rather see salaries raised, but also

With the stipulation that 1, all of their liquid assets, including real estate, be sold and then be placed in money market funds for the duration of their service, and 2, that they be banned from working on or voting on any bill that has any effect upon any company that employs their spouse, children, or other close relatives. Basically so that they cannot enrich themselves.

If they don't like those rules, don't run.

[Hosnon]

9. As pay for elected officials decreases, the number who can afford to run also decreases.

Net effect: Elected office more and more becomes a luxury only for the wealthy.

[freshwest]

10. All the better to not have to listen to the millions they represent. Instead listen to the millions.

That the Koch brothers can provide. After all, money is speech and corporations are people and the people...

Well, meh, they are in the way of the grand plan and this makes it easier to teach them their place in the world.

Damn, what a crappy news week.

[hedgehog]

14. What's the last "real job" Perry worked?

[Iliyah]

15. Hell they are

already part-time.

[enlightenment]

16. Nevada has a 'part-time' legislature.

It meets biennially and has limited regular sessions of 120 days. Not terribly effective.

It is somewhat telling that the states with this type of legislature - Montana, North Dakota, and Texas in addition to Nevada - are pretty damned conservative, politically.

[valerief]

17. They're part time already! nt

[LynneSin]

18. Keep the salary and put an end to financial gifts from Lobbyists

anything giving to an elective official that costs more than $50 must be refused and return. This includes expensive dinners and gifts.

I think there is a purpose to having lobbyists in DC but allowing them to by elected officials is just plain wrong.

[jwirr]

19. Tell you what if we elect another rethug majority then I am for a part

time congress - they are just a do nothing congress anyhow.

[Phlem]

20. what a fu*kin idiot.

What fu*kin line up of zero's.

Man this country's screwed if that's all one half of the 2 parties can offer. I'm starting to think they want Obama to remain in office with that kind of crazy line up.

And the constituent's who vote for these guy's.... how god damn STOOOOPID does one need to be?

Jeeeezuz, what a fu*kin mess.

Fu*k!

:mad:

-p

[OhioChick]

21. We already have a part-time Congress....

Time to clean house.