Congressional Reform?

Congress represents the people as the legislative branch of the American government, which should also be the strongest branch of government. However, in recent times, Americans have witnessed executive overreach and a lack of congressional oversight, which has, in turn, eroded Americans' trust in their elected officials. Even though Congress has the power to be the strongest branch, Congress is not fulfilling its vision as articulated in the Constitution and should be advancing congressional oversight over the military, protecting citizens from unfair representation through concepts like gerrymandering, and increasingly checking the executive branch.

Today, one of the biggest controversies concerning America's international relationships is President Trump's capture of the Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The U.S. captured President Maduro without congressional authorization, essentially undermining Congress's constitutional authority to declare war and international military engagements ("Senate Advances"). Moreover, President Trump's involvement in Venezuela has likely caused irreparable tensions in the Caribbean, specifically with Trinidad and Tobago, a small island nation off the coast of Venezuela with a population of around 1.5 million residents ("President of Trinidad"). The executive branch authorized the usage of Trinidad's strategic naval bases and airport access under the name of a joint operation to fight the 'War on Drugs', and with the largest number of Venezuelan refugees in Trinidad, Trinidad must face the possible repercussions of being complacent with President Trump ("Gunboat diplomacy"). This is one example of how Congress's hesitation to check the executive branch, as they are meant to as stated in the Constitution, has led to a strain on international relations.

Additionally, Congress has the power to pass laws and control funding, which then begs the question of Congress involving itself in stopping gerrymandering, which can create unequal representation of citizens in certain areas. The 14th Amendment states rules about citizenship, due process of law, and congressional representatives for states based on population, but when concepts like gerrymandering are used for political advantages, it can distort the representation of some residents, which conflicts with the 14th Amendment. Congress must act on reform to stop allowing districts to favor certain parties and undermine the votes of the citizens.

Overall, Congress is effective in many ways, and as America's elected officials, it has worked to assure the American people of America's political success, but with 87% of Americans supporting congressional term limits, it is clear that reform is necessary ("How Americans"). To create a successful and productive government, it is imperative that Congress move to establish its constitutional authority to declare war, oversee international relations, pass laws, and continue to check the president, even with political pressure, because Congress is meant to represent and voice the concerns of the people.