[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 41 (Tuesday, March 15, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E313]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CHALLENGES WITHIN THE POLITICAL PROCESS

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                            HON. PETE OLSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 15, 2016

  Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to interact with some of the 
brightest students in the 22nd Congressional District who serve on my 
Congressional Youth Advisory Council. I have gained much by listening 
to the high school students who are the future of this great nation. 
They provide important insight from across the political spectrum that 
sheds a light on the concerns of our younger constituents. Giving voice 
to their priorities will hopefully instill a better sense of the 
importance of being an active participant in the political process. 
Many of the students have written short essays on a variety of topics 
and I am pleased to share them with my House colleagues.
  Arjun Luthra attends Clear Springs High School in League City, Texas. 
The essay topic is: Challenges within the political process.

       Within the US political system, there is an iron triangle 
     which defines the spheres of influence and relationship 
     between the United States Congress, the bureaucracy and the 
     interest groups. Along with these groups, the executive 
     branch influences the appointments of justices and 
     bureaucratic officials. Concerns regarding public policy are 
     placed on the shoulders of numerous institutions. What makes 
     the political process so challenging is to ensure there is 
     reconciliation of the political interests of these numerous 
     institutions like Congress, which represents individual 
     districts and states, and the President, which represents the 
     overall nation.
       The President, Office of Management and Budget, the 
     Congressional Budget Office, agencies and interest groups are 
     all involved in the budgeting process. The President bears 
     responsibility of presenting the Budget to Congress while the 
     Congressional Budget Office advises Congress of potential 
     consequences of budget decisions. Within the process, the 
     agencies provide projection of budgetary needs. The 
     complexity of the process and shared roles among the 
     institution often require adaptation or reconciliation. For 
     example, in 1973, President Nixon refused to disburse 
     appropriated funds of Congress. This lead to the Budget 
     Impoundment Act which transferred power of President to 
     Congress. This particular historical example not only 
     demonstrates a check and balance system, but also exemplifies 
     the challenges in the political process.
       In addition to budget, legislation becomes difficult to 
     enact either due to political gridlock due to divided 
     government or party polarization. This gridlock has led to a 
     restricted number of bills that pass through the 
     congressional committees. Only 4 percent of bills introduced 
     to Congress become law and only about 6 percent of bills 
     reach floor debate. Furthermore, discussion of bill is 
     restricted by the closed rule in the House, which places time 
     limit for debate and restricts amendments. While in the 
     Senate, senators can request for a filibuster, which extends 
     time of debate. This allows members of the Senate to push 
     their interests forward and often prevent discussion of other 
     legislation proposed.
       In essence, the political process is challenging especially 
     in creating the political agenda and reaching specific goals 
     set by the numerous governmental institutions. Today, hot 
     topics in the political agenda include gun control, education 
     and immigration policies. Although pushing for funds and 
     legislation that yields long-term benefits for the 
     constituents is challenging, the political process requires 
     purposeful rather than reckless action that is advantageous 
     to the United States. The political process ensures 
     recognition of the Constitution as a governing document and 
     also ensures a check on the abuse of political power.

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