Former Congressman Gary Franks recently expressed his concerns regarding the current state of Congress, labeling its members as “political robots.” In his commentary, Franks critiques the lack of engagement and accountability among legislators, emphasizing the consequences of their actions on future generations.
Franks begins by highlighting a misconception about the proposed “Big Beautiful Bill,” humorously suggesting that it included a provision to defund Congress. He points out that, in the rush to pass the legislation, not a single member of the House of Representatives read the entire bill after it was amended by the Senate. This lack of thorough examination raises questions about the legislative process and the responsibilities of elected officials.
While Franks acknowledges the right of any newly elected president, whether Democratic or Republican, to pursue their vision for the country, he firmly opposes increasing the national debt. He argues that both parties share the blame for burdening future generations with financial obligations.
Franks criticizes the bipartisan failure to support an amendment proposed by Senator Susan Collins of Maine, which aimed to tax the wealthiest Americans to help fund the bill. This blockage, he argues, reflects a broader trend where Congress serves as a “rubber stamp” for presidential agendas, diminishing its role as a check on executive power.
Congressional Accountability and Political Dynamics
He likens the current Congress to a collection of robots, devoid of genuine intelligence. Franks asserts that when one party controls both the House and the Senate, critical votes needed for bipartisanship are often absent. This scenario, he believes, leads to unchecked executive power, as impeachments become increasingly rare.
Franks reflects on historical precedents, noting that former President Barack Obama also faced criticism for enacting significant legislation without bipartisan support, particularly in healthcare. He contrasts this with the actions of the Trump administration, which he accuses of dismantling social safety nets, such as Medicaid, affecting millions of Americans.
He expresses concern about the growing predictability of political narratives from both sides of the aisle. Franks suggests that the media, too, has become somewhat robotic in its coverage of political events, often failing to provide fresh insights or critical analysis.
The Role of State Governments
As he contemplates the future, Franks argues for a shift in focus toward state governments. He points out that the U.S. Constitution intended to limit the power of Congress, a view he believes is increasingly relevant today. With the executive branch pushing for significant changes, such as the reduction of federal involvement in areas like education and emergency management, states may regain more control over their affairs.
Franks asserts that state governments are bound by their constitutions to operate within balanced budgets, a stark contrast to the federal government’s ongoing deficits. This fiscal discipline could prevent federal officials from threatening states with funding withdrawals, allowing for more autonomous governance.
He suggests that a restructured revenue model could serve as a “backdoor” approach to balancing the federal budget, enabling states to rely less on federal funding while still providing essential services to their residents.
In conclusion, Franks calls for courage among politicians to break free from the constraints of party loyalty and embrace a more moderate approach to governance. He posits that without such change, the political landscape may necessitate the emergence of a third party, echoing sentiments expressed by figures like Elon Musk.
As a former congressman who served three terms representing Connecticut’s 5th District, Franks brings a unique perspective to the ongoing political discourse. His commentary serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics within Congress and the responsibility of lawmakers to prioritize the interests of their constituents over party lines.