Jason Grill: Time for a Change on Capitol Hill

There is no doubt that this campaign season is already off to a very partisan and negative start. Add that to congressional approval ratings and trust in government being at historical lows.

What does this equal?

Time for a real change in the way government functions and an end to the divisive attitude on Capitol Hill. The good thing is a grassroots movement is already happening.

No Labels is a group whose message is simple…”Not Left. Not Right. Forward.” They have offered a 2012 Make Congress Work plan, which consists of twelve simple and straightforward proposals to break gridlock, promote constructive discussion, and reduce polarization in Congress.

Nearly 500,000 citizens have already supported the plan at NoLabels.Org and the first measure of the plan “No Budget, No Pay” is set for a United States Senate Hearing on March 7, 2012 in front of the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee. Its been over 1000 days since Congress passed a budget resolution!

The “No Budget, No Pay” solution is the only one of the twelve proposals that requires new legislation and its premise is simple, If Congress fails in its paramount responsibility to enact a federal budget, they wouldn’t get paid and if they are late they won’t get back pay. The bill already has bipartisan support on Capitol Hill and has been endorsed by Republicans, Democrats, and Independents.

“No Budget, No Pay” would work because it would force members of both parties in the Senate and the House to come to together at the negotiating table on budget and spending bills and work till the job was complete. If they didn’t they wouldn’t be paid. It would show the American people that elected officials in Congress understand the frustrations of citizens throughout this great land and prove that those in Washington D.C. are taking serious steps to be more accountable. Congress would begin to earn American’s trust back.

I believe in a year full of campaign promises, tired political ads, and heated partisan debate, you will be hearing more and more from No Labels and from Americans who want Congress to work together, roll up their collective sleeves, and get government  moving forward in a bipartisan fashion. 

It’s time for Congress to put aside its labels and do what is in your and the country’s best interests. There is no excuse for inaction any longer.