James Wyche

At U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon’s recent “roast” here in New Iberia, he made a statement about being on the “inside” so that he could better affect everyone else’s proposed legislation by “inserting” amendments (pork) into as many bills as possible so that he could get as much as possible for his constituents at home.

This is tantamount to selling his influence. There are other terms for this practice reflective of the oldest profession. Isn’t this part of the problem?

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It seems reasonable to me that each should bill be debated on its own merit without all this tag-on-pork being added, thus inflating our spending practices? If Mr. Melancon needs monies for his constituents, then he needs to propose his own bills and let them be scrutinized without more pork being added. Measures such as slipping in amendments only ensure corruption, secretiveness and underhandedness on the part of our elected officials.

Isn’t there enough of that without adding more fuel to the fire?

Sure, this is a radical measure and less legislation would be considered in the short time Congress is in session. Then again, that would necessarily make the federal government smaller and the states more responsible for their own citizens.

Maybe Congress could be in session for longer periods of time, thus better earning their $174,500 annually. Now, that would be change I could support!