Restoring Regular Order in Congress

In recent years, the effectiveness and bipartisanship of the House of Representatives have been undermined by the increasing concentration of power in the hands of party leadership, often at the expense of regular legislative processes. The result has been a breakdown in the democratic principles that should guide our legislative branch, with critical decisions made behind closed doors rather than through open debate and discussion.

To restore trust in Congress and to ensure that all voices are heard, I am committed to supporting a return to regular order in the House of Representatives. Regular order refers to the traditional processes by which legislation is introduced, debated, amended, and passed in a transparent and democratic manner. This includes:

  1. Committee Process: Ensuring that all bills go through the proper committee process where they can be thoroughly reviewed, debated, and amended by members with expertise in the relevant areas. This allows for more informed and effective legislation, rather than hastily drafted bills that bypass the normal procedures. Any bills that make it out of committee should get a floor vote – no matter what.
  2. Open Debate: Promoting open and robust debate on the House floor, allowing all representatives, regardless of party affiliation, to voice their opinions and propose amendments. This is essential for fostering bipartisanship and reaching consensus on complex issues.
  3. Respecting Minority Rights: Upholding the rights of the minority party to participate meaningfully in the legislative process, including the ability to offer amendments and debate legislation. This ensures that the interests of all Americans are represented, not just those of the majority party.
  4. Transparency: Committing to transparency in the legislative process, including making all committee hearings and floor debates publicly available and ensuring that the legislative text is accessible to the public well before votes are taken. This allows citizens to hold their representatives accountable and to participate more fully in the democratic process.
  5. Leadership Accountability: I vow to only support party leadership that is committed to these principles of regular order. Leadership that circumvents the democratic process for political expediency undermines the very foundation of our democracy.

By returning to regular order, we can jumpstart the effectiveness of the House of Representatives, increase bipartisanship, and restore the American people’s faith in their government. It is time for Congress to do the people’s business in a way that is open, transparent, and truly representative of all Americans. This commitment to regular order is not just about process—it’s about ensuring that our democracy works for everyone.

Protecting Voting Rights

Protecting voting rights is fundamental to ensuring that every American can participate in our democracy. In Louisiana, where the history of racial discrimination and anti-democratic tactics has long targeted Black voters, the need for robust voting rights protections is particularly urgent. This is why I strongly support the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, which aims to restore and strengthen the protections of the original Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Louisiana’s unique racial history, marked by decades of voter suppression, makes the passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act essential. From literacy tests and poll taxes to gerrymandering and purges of voter rolls, Louisiana has been a battleground where Black citizens have fought tirelessly for their right to vote. Despite significant progress, recent efforts to suppress the vote—through restrictive voter ID laws, reduced polling locations, and limits on early voting—continue to threaten the democratic participation of communities of color.

The John Lewis Voting Rights Act would reinstate federal oversight in states like Louisiana, where discriminatory practices persist. This legislation is crucial to preventing the rollback of voting rights and ensuring that every citizen, regardless of race, has equal access to the ballot box.

Louisiana’s long history of voter suppression is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality. The passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act would not only honor the legacy of civil rights leaders like John Lewis but also protect the future of our democracy by safeguarding the rights of all Louisianans to participate in free and fair elections.

The Electoral College

The Electoral College, as it currently operates, is a relic of a bygone era designed with mechanisms that could override the popular will. This is fundamentally at odds with our democratic principles, where every vote should carry equal weight, regardless of where it is cast.

I support substantial reforms to the Electoral College to ensure it operates more proportionally. One such reform could involve allocating electoral votes based on the percentage of votes each candidate receives within a state, rather than the winner-take-all system that currently dominates most states. This proportional approach would more accurately reflect the will of the voters in each state.

Alternatively, allocating electoral votes by Congressional district, as is done in Maine and Nebraska, could also serve to more fairly represent voters’ preferences across a state’s diverse regions. However, this method must be carefully implemented to avoid exacerbating the effects of gerrymandering.

Above all, I believe in the sanctity of the democratic process. The vote of the people is the foundational element of our democracy, and I vehemently oppose any efforts to subvert or undermine it, even in the face of volatile electoral outcomes. The goal of our electoral reforms should be to enhance democracy, not constrain it, ensuring every American feels their voice is heard and counted.

In Congress, I will advocate tirelessly for these changes, pushing forward initiatives that make our electoral system more transparent, equitable, and truly democratic.

Domestic Extremism

The biggest threat to our democracy is probably the one from within right now. The internal threat posed by antidemocratic forces, exemplified by the rise of right-wing extremism, is viewed as the foremost challenge to American democracy and national security. To counter this, I believe in strengthening our democratic institutions, enhancing civic education, and ensuring that law enforcement is equipped to combat domestic terrorism effectively.

A holistic approach is essential, one that addresses the root causes, such as social polarization and misinformation, while safeguarding the constitutional rights and freedoms that underpin American society.