Former Congressman Gary Franks has voiced his concerns regarding the current state of Congress, describing it as a collection of “political robots” more focused on party lines than on effective governance. His remarks come in the wake of legislative practices that he believes threaten future generations with increasing national debt.
Franks pointed out that the proposed “Big Beautiful Bill,” which some lawmakers rushed to pass, did not undergo thorough scrutiny. He emphasized that not a single member of the House of Representatives read the entire bill as modified by the Senate. He questioned the integrity of a legislative process that allows such oversight, asking, “Just imagine if you ran your business or organization like that.”
While acknowledging that newly elected presidents, whether Democratic or Republican, should implement their vision for America, Franks expressed his concern about the burden of debt being placed on future generations. He criticized both parties for blocking Senator Susan Collins‘ amendment aimed at taxing the wealthy to fund the new legislation, stating that this obstruction diminishes the potential for bipartisan cooperation.
Congress as a Rubber Stamp
Franks further argued that Congress has become ineffective, merely serving as a rubber stamp for presidential agendas. He used the example of President Donald Trump, who he claims has taken unilateral actions similar to those of former President Barack Obama. Franks asserts that when a single party controls both Congress and the White House, Congress loses its critical role, leading to a lack of oversight.
He illustrated this point by referencing past healthcare reforms and the ongoing debate about Medicaid, suggesting that the political landscape often results in significant shifts in policy without adequate checks and balances. “If Democrats have more votes, they do what their president wants, and if Republicans have more votes, the Republican president does whatever he wants,” he stated.
Franks raised concerns about the role of the media, suggesting that its predictability mirrors that of Congress. “Whether the narrative comes from the right or the left, you can easily predict it,” he noted. He acknowledged the need for political drama but questioned its necessity when outcomes are often anticipated.
State Power and Fiscal Responsibility
In his critique, Franks proposed that state governments may offer a solution to the shortcomings of federal governance. He highlighted that state constitutions typically restrict overspending, which could help counteract the federal government’s long-standing practice of running deficits. “Each state has a constitution. State governments are not allowed to overspend,” he noted.
He argued that returning certain responsibilities, such as those of the Department of Education and disaster relief, to the states could empower local governance and reduce reliance on federal funding. By restructuring revenue-generating mechanisms at the state level, Franks believes states could gain more autonomy and fiscal responsibility.
Franks concluded by emphasizing that the current political climate requires courage from lawmakers to break free from party lines. “It takes a willingness to sacrifice one’s career if necessary to do the right thing,” he remarked, suggesting that a revival of moderate voices or even the formation of a third political party could be necessary to address the growing divide in American politics.
As a former congressman from Connecticut’s 5th District and the first Black conservative elected to Congress, Gary Franks continues to advocate for a more accountable and responsive government. His insights reflect a growing concern among citizens regarding the impact of political decisions on future generations.
