[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 3273]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      WHAT MAKES THE POLITICAL PROCESS IN CONGRESS SO CHALLENGING?

                                 ______
                                 

                            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.
  Ann Johnson attends Kempner High School in Sugar Land, Texas. The 
essay topic is: In your opinion, what makes the political process in 
Congress so challenging?

       I used to think that Congress was largely ineffective. 
     However, after taking a semester of AP Government, I realized 
     that the legislative body was supposed to be that way. 
     Congress isn't supposed to react quickly, rather, it is 
     supposed to take its time and deliberate over the best course 
     of action. The large number of political checkpoints a bill 
     must pass naturally complicates the process. These 
     checkpoints ensure that the bill is the best version it can 
     be and brings the greatest good to the greatest number of 
     people.
       However, there are many extraneous factors that make the 
     political process more challenging. One is the very apparent 
     political divide in Congress. When Democrats only support 
     bills created by Democrats and vice versa, the political 
     process becomes nearly impossible to maneuver. Many great 
     ideas and proposals for our country get lost in the partisan 
     struggle or passed bills, heavy with compromises, never 
     amount to any real change. Too often, politicians are more 
     concerned with party approval instead of the needs of the 
     American people. The deep divide in Congress and 
     unwillingness to engage in across the aisle collaboration 
     makes the political process extremely challenging.
       Another factor in the political process is the influence of 
     wealthier Americans in the decision-making process. In recent 
     times, Americans of higher socioeconomic have been able to 
     contribute heavily to elections and legislation. After the 
     Citizens United vs FEC ruling, corporations and unions were 
     able to spend unlimited sums of money on campaigns. This 
     allows wealthier Americans to yield more power in the 
     election and legislative fronts. They are able to influence 
     lawmakers to vote their way, instead of voting for the 
     benefit of all Americans. When lawmakers are forced to vote 
     for their own personal benefit or for the benefit of their 
     financial contributors, it makes the political process 
     incredibly challenging.
       Lastly, lack of interest in the political process by the 
     public is a challenge. As Americans, we have been blessed 
     with the right to participate in our democratic process. From 
     voting for candidates to speaking out about different laws, 
     Americans are able to influence the political process in many 
     ways. However, too few Americans take advantage of these 
     privileges. When all Americans unite for a cause, true change 
     is certainly possible. Leading America in the right direction 
     requires the participation of all Americans and politicians 
     working together hand in hand.

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