A direct Question for democrat and independent members.

Do you think a newly elected Freshman member of Congress should be assigned a seat on any of the powerful, prime, committees?

Yes.
No.
Why?

 

Interesting question.

I think no, for at least House members. Anytime someone starts a new job it takes time to acclimate. I think they should prove themselves and get used to their new daily life with a cycle before taking on a big responsibility like that. Less prime committees still do important work and can help train them without shoving them into the media spotlight.

I may be inclined to say yes for Senators though, since their terms are so long and generally Senator isn't the first major elected office someone has held (at least until recently)

 

So you believe long term politicians are more qualified, smarter, and are working harder for the American people and helping the country? How about Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, Adam Schiff, Mitch McConnell, Kevin McCarthy, and let’s not forget Joe Biden.

 

Yes...fresh eyes and thorough explanation/examination of proposed legislation would be needed for the newbie and keep the bill singular in substance, no pork added.

 

He didn't say that. He may be open to allowing that as a Freshman Senator is different. Their term is longer so as a rookie they have more time to learn the ropes on an important committee.

This is not about the "dead wood" in the swamp found IN BOTH PARTIES. TERM LIMITS would work BUT AN INFORMED ELECTORATE backed by an honest media works better. Unfortunately, most Americans are kept totally ignorant OR they are so jaded that they lie about things right in front of our faces in spite of the facts. Fortunately, we have one of these worthless, ignorant, jokers among us here so we can see their monkey business first hand!
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I often wonder what this place would be like with informed members.

 

GW said:
“I may be inclined to say yes for Senators though, since their terms are so long and generally Senator isn’t the first major elected office someone has held(at least until recently)”
Yes, it is what he indicated.

 

Whatever.

As I wrote, I think what he wrote did not indicate what you thought it did.. Shall we take another vote?

 

I'm asking for a 2 year break (1 term in the house) where they serve on lesser committees and get used to the legislation process before going into positions of more responsibility. Is that so unreasonable?

 

IMO, it will be a rare day when something as reasonable as that would happen.

 

YES. IT IS.

 

My opinion?

Recency of experience and depth of expertise on subject matters should play an important part in legislative committees, and should not be omitted in favor of congressional experience. The reason a chairman and ranking member are voted into each committee is to provide the leadership necessary to navigate the committee through myriad congressional procedures. For that reason, their congressional experience is paramount.

We need a blend of creative idea-generators, of subject matter experts, of forward-thinking pragmatists and of sage parliamentarians to draft legislation worth consideration by the full Congress.

While freshman congressman should not be included in committees simply because they are freshman, committee positions should not be limited to congressional veterans if we are to have the best committees working on our issues.