Change the 20th amendment?

You’re right, it needs to be changed. I’m certain the time between elections and the new congress was meant for changing out offices and moving. Wasn’t meant for a time to pass laws when you were voted out.

It used to take weeks for new congressmen and senators to pack everything up and make the long trip to D.C. with their families. Obviously that's not an issue anymore, so we really should look at shortening the time between election and inauguration.

You want to stop politicians from voting during the one period of their career where they don't have to worry about playing politics anymore?

From a practical matter, mandating that lame duck officials be sidelined for several months could create real problems should something serious occur in that time period, like a foreign policy issue.

Lets review. Were there any calls to stem the lame duck legislation in 2006-2007 when both houses of Congress were going from Repub to Dem, the first time Dems controlled the Congress since 1995??? Of course not. What a bunch of flaming hypocrites.

quote:

Originally posted by dolemitejb:
You want to stop politicians from voting during the one period of their career where they don't have to worry about playing politics anymore?

Yes, from the actions the dems have taken the last few weeks, heck yeah.

The transition of Congress should happen quicker.

quote:

Yes, from the actions the dems have taken the last few weeks, heck yeah.

The transition of Congress should happen quicker.

Sour grapes my friend. I'm sorry the new tea party congress hasn't had the opportunity to force legislation through, but they will get their turn soon enough.

They're going to fail by the way, but at least their failure will have principle.

quote:

Originally posted by dolemitejb:
You want to stop politicians from voting during the one period of their career where they don't have to worry about playing politics anymore?

From a practical matter, mandating that lame duck officials be sidelined for several months could create real problems should something serious occur in that time period, like a foreign policy issue.

Yes, I do want to stop politicians from taking action when they no longer fear the people they work for. I don't care if it's democrat or republican either. If you're fired from your job how long does your employer let you continue to work? Why does it take several months for the transition to take place? In 1933 it took a long time for elected officials to make their way to Washington. That is not the case anymore.