A better idea

Congress, sensing the natives are getting restless, tosses the public a bone:

The House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday would block lawmakers from getting their scheduled $1,600 raise for next year, a symbolic measure designed to show Congress understands the angst of voters suffering from the recession.

But never fear. After this... sacrifice... they'll still receive three times the median U.S. income. The article cites the argument that not all members of Congress are independently wealthy (exceptions being necessary, of course, to prove the rule...). Maintaining two homes, one in the District of Calamity, is a pricey proposition. OK... let's upgrade Congress for the 21st Century:

1) Permanently adjourn from D.C. A quick glance at CSPAN shows they're hardly ever all in the Capitol anyway. All members will meet via secure teleconferencing from their home district offices. Advantages: they stay close to home, where constituents have access instead of conveniently congregating in LobbyingLand. Reduces the ability of terrorists to hit a large chunk of government in one fell swoop. And think of the savings from reduced commercial airfare and executive jet requirements!

2) No member of Congress may serve on more than two committees. There just aren't that many Federal functions outlined in the Constitution. Advantages: no more hearings on steroids in Baseball. No more listening to every member of Congress referred to as "Mr. Chairman." Lots less for Congress to do.

3) Finally, the issue of pay. First, Congress should forfeit its pay for every day past Oct 1st without a completed Federal budget. This is job #1... if you can't get it done, you haven't earned a cent. Second, no pay for Congress in any year the budget isn't balanced. See job #1. Third, Congressional pay should be exactly equal to the median U.S. income as calculated once during every presidential term (every four years). The economic climate they create for their constituents should have a direct bearing on their own situation as well.

Of course, all these modest suggestions are based on the premise these jokers work for us, rather than the other way around.