There has been much debate about what a Republican–Democrat deal to end the Trump Government Shutdown should look like. In my opinion, any meaningful deal must aim to improve bipartisanship and end the present undemocratic practices in the Senate and the House of Representatives. To that end, here is my own modest proposal:
DACA, CHIP and the Affordable Care Act
- Pursuant to promises made by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to Senator Jeff Flake, the Senate shall open debate and vote on DACA.
- In accordance with earlier promises, the Senate shall vote on CHIP extension, a program originally sponsored by Senators Orrin Hatch and Edward Kennedy.
- Pursuant to promises made by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to Senator Susan Collins, the Senate shall open debate and vote on the Alexander–Murray Obamacare Stabilization bill.
Improving bipartisan cooperation
- In the interest of bipartisanship, the so-called Hastert Rule shall no longer be practiced in the House of Representatives. (This will end legislative obstruction and extortion by the Freedom Caucus.)
- For the next five years, any proposal that has the backing of 40 Senators shall be debated and allowed a vote.
- For the next five years, any proposal that has the backing of 150 Representatives shall be debated and allowed a vote in the House.
Judicial nomination
- For the next five years, confirmation of Supreme Court Judges shall require 60 Aye votes. The Senate is obligated to open confirmation hearings for all nominees.
- For the next five years, the confirmation of Federal Court Judges shall require 55 Aye votes.
The Russia Investigations
- With the exception of testimony dealing with classified information, the hearings on Russian interference in the 2016 Presidential Election, and related issues, in the Senate Intelligence Committee, the Senate Judiciary Committee, and the House Intelligence Committee, shall be public. The broadcast of these hearings shall be permitted.
- The Senate shall debate and vote on a bill that protects Special Counsel Robert Mueller from being fired without good cause, unjustly or without due process.
- Furthermore, the Senate shall debate a bill that seeks to prevent White House interference with the Mueller Investigation into treason, collusion with foreign powers, and corruption.
In my humble opinion, such a deal would greatly improve the functioning of the Legislative Branch of the US government. Moreover, it would be an honest effort to undo some of the worst damage done by the Trump Administration and the Republican-controlled Congress. The increased bipartisanship would help reduce political polarization and confrontation, and put the House and Senate on a healthier solution-oriented course that seeks to serve all Americans.