Restoring the Legislative process

Many Americans, including myself, are often frustrated by the inability of Congress to get important legislation passed. Congress was unable to agree to a new long-term Farm Bill last year. The Senate has not passed a budget in nearly four years. And it seems like Congress and the President are locked in constant showdowns to avoid the latest ceiling, cliff, or shutdown.

Some would point to divided government as the cause of the current dysfunction. However, divided government does not have to result in gridlock. During the 1980’s, President Reagan worked with a Democratic Congress to pass bip...