Enlarging the House of Representatives

The New York Times ^ | 07 Jan 2014 | BRUCE BARTLETT

[Theoria]

Last week, I discussed the case for increasing the size of the California State Legislature and perhaps others as well. But the case for increasing the size of the House of Representatives is even stronger.

The size of the House was one of the most hotly debated issues at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787. The delegates initially proposed a figure of 40,000 people per congressional district. But George Washington thought this number was too high and on the only occasion in which he addressed the convention he asked that it be reduced to 30,000. This change was agreed to and that is what Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution requires.

The Constitution is silent on the question of whether the House would increase in size as the population of the United States grew. James Madison was among those with concerns that the House would not increase in size, leading to increasingly large districts, which he expressed in Federalist 55. He therefore proposed that the first amendment to the Constitution be one that guaranteed an increase in the House proportional to rising population.

[tenger]

Expand it. We have the technology to have massive conference calls. Decentralize DC. Give them one month in July to go to DC to meet face to face, then back to their communities.

Jonah Goldberg wrote a piece about this many years ago, much more compelling.

[jocon307]

I’ll check out Goldberg’s piece. But I DO NOT want more of these people in full time roles, with huge staffs, all on my dime.

Oh, and btw, NO RETIREMENT BENES FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS, they can have a 401K and that is it.

[tenger]

I've got a whole list of rules ifn I were king for a day:

1. Two terms for House; one for Senate
2. One bill covering one topic; nothing in between
3. Bill must be read out loud before it is voted on
4. All votes must be recorded. "present" or "not voting" are not options; no voice votes
5. Tax increases must be as tough to pass as amending the Constitution
6. The law must apply to all members of three branches of Government
7. The law must have Chapter and Verse justification of the Constitution written into the bill
8. The voters will vote on Congressional raises
9. 11 months of the year Representatives will be in their districts; Senators in their states. August they get to go meet together in D.C.
10. No limits on campaign contributions, but all contributions will be available for all to see
11. After their terms in Congress, leaders have a 5 year waiting period before becoming a lobbyist
12. No building, highway, or structures may carry the Congresscritter's name, and especially those individuals who are still in office
13. Congress must balance the budget every year or they do not get paid
14. April 15/tax day will be the day before the election in November

I think that about coves it for now...

[jocon307]

Good ideas, but making them go to DC in August is just cruel & unusual!