A Blueprint for True Representation and Accountability

The current system in Congress grants lawmakers perks and benefits that most working Americans can only dream of. While millions of people struggle with unpaid time off, no guaranteed pensions, and limited healthcare options, members of Congress enjoy privileges that set them apart from the very citizens they represent.

President Trump’s proposed Congressional Reform Act of 2025 aims to change this by aligning lawmakers' lives more closely with those of everyday Americans. This reform could reshape how Congress operates and restore trust in government by making representatives more accountable and connected to the people.

Congress has long been criticized for being out of touch with the daily realities faced by working families. Many Americans do not receive paid vacation or sick leave, and their salaries do not carry over when they leave a job. In contrast, members of Congress receive pensions, generous healthcare plans, and other benefits that shield them from the challenges most people face. This disconnect can lead to decisions that fail to reflect the public's needs.

President Trump’s proposal addresses this gap by demanding that Congress live under the same rules as the people they serve. The idea is simple: if lawmakers experience the same challenges as their constituents, they will better understand those challenges and make more informed decisions.

The Act includes several significant changes designed to bring fairness and accountability to Congress:

• No Tenure or Pension After Leaving Office

Members of Congress would only receive a salary while actively serving. Once out of office, they would no longer receive pensions or perks. This change encourages

lawmakers to view their service as a temporary duty rather than a lifelong career.

• Congress Joins Social Security Like Everyone Else

All funds currently in the Congressional retirement system would transfer to Social Security immediately. Future contributions would also go into Social Security, ensuring

that Congress participates in the same retirement system as the American people.

• Congress Must Buy Their Own Retirement Plans

Just like all Americans, members of Congress would need to purchase their own retirement plans. This change removes special privileges and puts lawmakers on equal footing with their constituents.

• Congressional Pay Raises Tied to Social Security Cost of Living Adjustments

Instead of voting themselves pay raises, congressional salaries would increase only at the same rate as Social Security cost-of-living adjustments, minus 1% if the federal budget runs a deficit. This aligns congressional pay with the economic realities faced by many Americans.

• Congress Joins the Same Healthcare System as Citizens

Members of Congress would lose their exclusive healthcare plans and participate in the same healthcare system available to the public, such as Obamacare or Medicare. This ensures lawmakers experience the same healthcare challenges as their constituents.

• Congress Must Follow All Laws They Pass

The Act prohibits insider trading and other privileges that lawmakers might currently enjoy. Congress would be required to abide by all laws it imposes on the public,

promoting fairness and integrity.

• All Past and Present Contracts with Congressmen/Women Are Voided

The Act nullifies any contracts made by Congress that grant special benefits to its members. Since these contracts were made without the consent of the American people, they should not stand.

If implemented, these reforms would transform Congress into a body that truly represents the people. Lawmakers would face the same financial and personal challenges as their constituents, making them more empathetic and responsible in their decision-making.

For example, a congressman who knows they cannot rely on a pension after leaving office might be more motivated to serve effectively during their term and then return to private life. Similarly, having to purchase their own retirement plans and healthcare could encourage lawmakers to support policies that improve these systems for all Americans.

Tying pay raises to Social Security adjustments would prevent Congress from increasing its salaries out of step with the economy, fostering greater fiscal responsibility. Finally, requiring Congress to follow all laws it passes would restore public trust by eliminating double standards.

The Founding Fathers imagined Congress as a group of citizen legislators who serve temporarily and then return to their communities and private work. This vision contrasts sharply with the current reality, where many lawmakers treat Congress as a lifelong career with special privileges.

President Trump’s Congressional Reform Act of 2025 seeks to revive this original ideal. By removing perks and requiring lawmakers to live under the same rules as the people, the Act encourages public service as an honor and duty rather than a career path.

For working Americans, this reform could mean a Congress that better understands their struggles and priorities. When lawmakers face the same challenges—such as healthcare costs, retirement planning, and budget constraints—they are more likely to create policies that support families and workers.

This change could also increase accountability. If members of Congress know they cannot rely on pensions or special benefits, they may be less likely to engage in self-serving behavior and more focused on serving the public interest.

The Congressional Reform Act of 2025 presents a bold plan to reshape how Congress operates. It calls on all Americans, regardless of political party, to support a system where lawmakers are truly representatives of the people. Sharing this idea widely can help build momentum for change.

If Congress adopts these reforms, it could mark a turning point in American politics—one where public service is respected, accountability is real, and the voices of working people are heard loud and clear.

The next step is for citizens to engage with their representatives and demand these changes. True reform starts with public pressure and a shared commitment to fairness and responsibility in government.

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