Congressmen Ami Bera, David Cicilline, Rodney Davis and Adam Kinzinger talk problem solving.
This is democracy in action says Bill Galston
Submitted by Jack McCullough on September 7, 2012
DEMOCRACY IN ACTION: That's what No Labels Co-Founder Bill Galston says No Labels is. "The members of No Labels and the overwhelming majority of the American people understand that we cannot solve our problems unless both parties in Washington relearn the art of working together despite their differences. But the parties refuse to do so, and instead intensify their attacks on each other. No Labels is determined to change this, not through elite lobbying but through organized public pressure," he says: Bill Galston for New Hampshire Business Review: 'No Labels' is democracy in action
LESSONS FROM CONVENTIONS: With both conventions now over, what are the key takeaways? "The most striking conclusion is how a collision of values produced a convergence of political strategies. Both sides aggressively framed their conventions around the same question: Which side are you on?" writes John F. Harris and Jim Vandehei. This sort of attitude drives people to the extremes of both parties and only leads to more gridlock in Washington: John F. Harris and Jim Vandehei for POLITICO: Two conventions tell the tale of 2012
WHERE'S THE REPORT? While most are focusing on President Obama's speech from last night and the jobs number (see stat of the day) from this morning, some are wondering when Obama will release his plan for the budget cuts coming up in January. The deadline for the report is today and this continues an unfortunate theme of officials in Washington missing deadlines or ignoring their responsibilities, like passing a budget. We need the president and members of Congress to remember that they were elected to serve the people and missing deadlines is not acceptable: Darren Samuelsohn and Philip Ewing for POLITICO: Republicans blast W.H. over missed deadline
WATCH: Watch No Labels supporter and former Governor Angus King's latest video. He touts his record as governor of Maine and says, "If you're looking for someone who can get things done and shake up Washington, you've come to the right place." Click here to watch the full video.
DOWN THE PARTY LINE: According to voting data, each party has become more unified in their positions since 1960. House Democrats and Republicans voted with their parties an average of 93 and 91 percent of the time in 2009. In the Senate, it’s 93 percent and 89 percent. With members of Congress sticking to the party line so often, it's far more difficult to reach across the aisle to solve problems: Dylan Matthews for The Washington Post: Are political parties growing more unified?
FROM THE FIELD: David Colton from Washington, D.C., volunteered with the No Labels field team yesterday and called more than 125 supporters about the Meeting to Make America Work! and our Digital Leader program.
THE DAILY BREAK: No Labels Co-Founder Ron Shaich is launching a new project called Panera Cares. While these new cafés are similar to regular Paneras, there's one noticeable difference: customers pay what they want. See how it could make a difference here: Niala Boodhoo for NPR: Panera Sandwich Chain Explores 'Pay What You Want' Concept
ACTION OF THE DAY: Forward Problem-Solver's Daily to at least one friend to share the No Labels take on the news. They can subscribe by clicking here.
STAT OF THE DAY: The new jobs numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show that 96,000 jobs were created in August and that the unemployment rate fell to 8.1 percent. However, that fall in the unemployment rate was due to a decline in the labor force participation rate (the percentage of people of working age who are either working or are looking for work) to 63.5 percent. That is the lowest it's been in more than 30 years: Jeff Cox for CNBC: New Jobs at 96,000, Missing Expectations; Rate Hits 8.1%
Written & edited by Kelsey McLaughlin, Collin Berglund, Lauren Gilbert and Jack McCullough
Tips, questions or ideas? Email the Problem-Solver's Daily team at psdaily@nolabels.org or tweet at us (@nolabelsorg).
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12 Ways to Make Congress Work!
- 1. No Budget, No Pay
If Congress can't pass a budget and all annual spending bills on time, members of Congress should not get paid.
- 2. Up or Down Vote on Presidential Appointments
All presidential nominations should be confirmed or rejected within 90 days of the nomination.
- 3. Fix the Filibuster
Require real (not virtual) filibusters and end filibusters on motions to proceed.
- 4. Empower the Sensible Majority
Allow a bipartisan majority of members to override a leader or committee chair’s refusal to bring a bill to the floor.
- 5. Make Members Come to Work
Make Congress work on coordinated schedules with three five-day work weeks a month in DC and one week in their home district.
- 6. Question Time for the President
Provide a monthly forum for members of Congress to ask the president questions to force leaders to debate one another and defend their ideas.
- 7. Fiscal Report to Congress
A nonpartisan leader should deliver an annual, televised fiscal update in-person to a joint session of Congress to ensure everyone is working off the same facts.
- 8. No Pledge but the Oath of Office
Members should make no pledge but the pledge of allegiance and their formal oath of office.
- 9. Monthly Bipartisan Gatherings
The House and Senate should institute monthly, off-the-record and bipartisan gatherings to get members talking across party lines.
- 10. Bipartisan Seating
At all joint meetings or sessions of Congress, each member should be seated next to at least one member of the other party.
- 11. Bipartisan Leadership Committee
Congressional party leaders should form a bipartisan congressional leadership committee to discuss legislative agendas and substantive solutions.
- 12. No Negative Campaigns Against Incumbents
Incumbents from one party should not conduct negative campaigns against sitting members of the opposing party.
- 1. No Budget, No Pay
If Congress can't pass a budget and all annual spending bills on time, members of Congress should not get paid.
- 2. Up or Down Vote on Presidential Appointments
All presidential nominations should be confirmed or rejected within 90 days of the nomination.
- 3. Fix the Filibuster
Require real (not virtual) filibusters and end filibusters on motions to proceed.
- 4. Empower the Sensible Majority
Allow a bipartisan majority of members to override a leader or committee chair’s refusal to bring a bill to the floor.
- 5. Make Members Come to Work
Make Congress work on coordinated schedules with three five-day work weeks a month in DC and one week in their home district.
- 6. Question Time for the President
Provide a monthly forum for members of Congress to ask the president questions to force leaders to debate one another and defend their ideas.
- 7. Fiscal Report to Congress
A nonpartisan leader should deliver an annual, televised fiscal update in-person to a joint session of Congress to ensure everyone is working off the same facts.
- 8. No Pledge but the Oath of Office
Members should make no pledge but the pledge of allegiance and their formal oath of office.
- 9. Monthly Bipartisan Gatherings
The House and Senate should institute monthly, off-the-record and bipartisan gatherings to get members talking across party lines.
- 10. Bipartisan Seating
At all joint meetings or sessions of Congress, each member should be seated next to at least one member of the other party.
- 11. Bipartisan Leadership Committee
Congressional party leaders should form a bipartisan congressional leadership committee to discuss legislative agendas and substantive solutions.
- 12. No Negative Campaigns Against Incumbents
Incumbents from one party should not conduct negative campaigns against sitting members of the opposing party.
- 1. No Budget, No Pay
If Congress can't pass a budget and all annual spending bills on time, members of Congress should not get paid.
- 2. Up or Down Vote on Presidential Appointments
All presidential nominations should be confirmed or rejected within 90 days of the nomination.
- 3. Fix the Filibuster
Require real (not virtual) filibusters and end filibusters on motions to proceed.
- 4. Empower the Sensible Majority
Allow a bipartisan majority of members to override a leader or committee chair’s refusal to bring a bill to the floor.
- 5. Make Members Come to Work
Make Congress work on coordinated schedules with three five-day work weeks a month in DC and one week in their home district.
- 6. Question Time for the President
Provide a monthly forum for members of Congress to ask the president questions to force leaders to debate one another and defend their ideas.
- 7. Fiscal Report to Congress
A nonpartisan leader should deliver an annual, televised fiscal update in-person to a joint session of Congress to ensure everyone is working off the same facts.
- 8. No Pledge but the Oath of Office
Members should make no pledge but the pledge of allegiance and their formal oath of office.
- 9. Monthly Bipartisan Gatherings
The House and Senate should institute monthly, off-the-record and bipartisan gatherings to get members talking across party lines.
- 10. Bipartisan Seating
At all joint meetings or sessions of Congress, each member should be seated next to at least one member of the other party.
- 11. Bipartisan Leadership Committee
Congressional party leaders should form a bipartisan congressional leadership committee to discuss legislative agendas and substantive solutions.
- 12. No Negative Campaigns Against Incumbents
Incumbents from one party should not conduct negative campaigns against sitting members of the opposing party.
11 Ways to Make the Presidency Work!
- 1. Regular News Conferences for the President
- 2. Fast-Track Legislative Authority for The President
- 3. Make The Parties Pay for Presidential Fundraising
- 4. A Line Item Veto With A Twist
- 5. Reduce the Number of Appointees Subject to Senate Confirmation
- 6. Identify a "Slate That Can't Wait" of Critical Nominees For Expedited Confirmation
- 7. Up or Down Vote on Presidential Appointments
- 8. Question Time for The President
- 9. Expanded Presidential Power to Reorganize
- 10. Different Opinions, But the Same Facts
- 11. Regular Meetings Between the President And Congressional Leadership
- 1. Regular News Conferences for the President
- 2. Fast-Track Legislative Authority for The President
- 3. Make The Parties Pay for Presidential Fundraising
- 4. A Line Item Veto With A Twist
- 5. Reduce the Number of Appointees Subject to Senate Confirmation
- 6. Identify a "Slate That Can't Wait" of Critical Nominees For Expedited Confirmation
- 7. Up or Down Vote on Presidential Appointment
- 8. Question Time for The President
- 9. Expanded Presidential Power to Reorganize
- 10. Different Opinions, But the Same Facts
- 11. Regular Meetings Between the President And Congressional Leadership
- 1. Regular News Conferences for the President
- 2. Fast-Track Legislative Authority for The President
- 3. Make The Parties Pay for Presidential Fundraising
- 4. A Line Item Veto With A Twist
- 5. Reduce the Number of Appointees Subject to Senate Confirmation
- 6. Identify a "Slate That Can't Wait" of Critical Nominees For Expedited Confirmation
- 7. Up or Down Vote on Presidential Appointment
- 8. Question Time for The President
- 9. Expanded Presidential Power to Reorganize
- 10. Different Opinions, But the Same Facts
- 11. Regular Meetings Between the President And Congressional Leadership
Problem-Solver's Daily: A Quick Email Digest for Problem-Solvers
On today's Problem-Solver's Daily, how can President Obama restore faith in the government, the filibuster is back in the news and an across-the-aisle retweet shows that both sides can agree on issues.
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April 5, 2013 in Cheri Bustos, government waste
