I participated in a TV interview recently, and I was asked a question I’ve been
hearing more and more lately.



<[link removed]>



John,



I participated in a TV interview recently, and I was asked a question I’ve
been hearing more and more lately: Isn’t it really just one party - the
Republicans - that’s responsible for the gridlock and division in Congress?





It’s a fair question, and I understand why people feel that way given that
Republicans control both chambers of Congress and the White House. But in my
experience, the truth is more complicated. Both political parties have
contributed to the dysfunction we’re seeing in Washington.





Part of the problem is that our politics has turned into a zero-sum game,
where one side believes it can only succeed if the other side loses. That kind
of thinking doesn’t serve the American people.We’re not opponents to be
defeated at all costs. We’re citizens of the same country, and we each have a
responsibility to treat one another with respect and elect leaders who are
focused on solving problems, not scoring political points.





What’s become increasingly clear is that it’s been so long since Congress
functioned the way it’s supposed to that many of those we elect no longer seem
motivated to offer bold, forward-looking ideas. Today, winning a majority in
the U.S. Senate or House too often seems less about advancing a meaningful
agenda for the American people - and more about blocking the other party from
doing anything at all.





I'll give you an example that's been on my mind lately.





Republicans maintain a historically narrow majority in the U.S. House right
now, and while even that slim majority affords them much of the power to move
legislation, being in the minority doesn't mean you’re powerless.





What’s stopping Democratic leaders, or even a group of rank-and-file members,
from stepping forward with a blueprint for their own budget proposal? What’s
preventing them from introducing a comprehensive plan to reform healthcare or
immigration, confront our runaway national debt, or take on any number of other
issues that matter deeply to the American people?





The answer is nothing. Too many members of Congress have become so afraid to
take a stand, worried it will be used against them in the next campaign, that
they end up doing nothing. They say nothing and simply wait for the next
election. But to what end? What is the point of running for office, and even
winning a governing majority, if your only strategy is to block the other party
from accomplishing anything?





The shame in all of this is that it doesn't have to be this way. In my
experience, voters tend to reward those who have the courage to put forward
bold ideas and clearly explain why they are taking the positions they are. Even
when voters disagree, they respect honesty and conviction. The reality is often
the opposite of what many in Congress fear.





During my 18 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, the Republican Party
was in the minority for most of that time. But that didn’t stop me from
advocating for big ideas and working with colleagues across the aisle to move
them forward. Congressman Tim Penny (Democrat) and I introduced a budget plan
year after year, and each time it gained more support, and in 1997, we passed a
balanced federal budget for the first time in nearly 40 years.





Change doesn’t happen overnight, but it is always possible. I believe a major
reason the American people have lost confidence in Congress and elected leaders
is this persistent pattern of inaction fueled by toxic, win-at-all-costs
mentality behind it. Imagine if we could turn that around. Imagine if our
politics focused on the best ideas, regardless of where they come from, and on
finding real, bipartisan paths to make them a reality.


Raising the funds to get this message out isn't something I enjoy doing, but
it's a critical part, so if you're able to chip in with $25, $50 or more, it
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There are better days ahead. Thank you for being a part of this team and for
standing with me. Your support truly makes all the difference.



-John








 

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