New Contract for America

It probably will be named something else this time around to differentiate it from Newt's original idea that swept Republicans into power after Clinton's failed attempt to nationalize healthcare.

Whatever its name, here are my suggestions for it this time around:

1. Repeal Obamacare. Simultaneously replace it with a more practical bill that actually helps cut costs and makes health insurance more affordable and accessible without unconstitutional federal mandates. How that can be accomplished is a much more involved topic I've dealt with partially in previous posts.
2. Renew the Bush tax cuts. Even make them permanent. The economy desparately needs the boost it can get by simply reassuring individuals and businesses that they won't be hit with massive new taxes.
3. Cancel the Obama Stimulus. Whatever hasn't already been spent will simply be pulled back. Also the government will remove itself from the Financial, Automotive, and Insurance industries completely, selling off government interests to private investors.
4. Solve Illegal Immigration. Give the Border Patrol whatever resources they need to be successful. Announce a 6 month grace period for all those in the country illegally - they have 6 months to get their affairs in order and move back to their home country. Create a legal means for those who can prove they are self-supporting and want to return to apply for re-entry. Again, there's more, but it's a much longer discussion.
5. Outlaw Earmarks. Simply stated, no more earmarks. Every project must be proposed, subject to hearings and debate, and voted on by both houses.
6. Balance the Budget. Have the federal budget balanced within a reasonable time period, but make it less than 10. As long as unemployment exceeds 5% and budget deficits continue, no member of congress or federal employee may receive a salary increase.
7. All Laws Apply to Everyone Equally. No longer can congress exempt itself from laws they pass for everyone else. No longer can favored individual or corporate or special interest groups be singled out for tax exemptions nobody else may receive.
8. Domestic Energy Development. All available oil, natural gas, and coal reserves are open for exploration and development to reduce dependence on foreign oil. In the meantime, tax incentives will be made available to anyone that finds innovative, practical, and low-cost energy alternatives.
9. Scale Back Unnecessary Spending. Every federally funded program must demonstrate that it is meeting its mission, or be defunded. If a federal program does not fulfil its mission, which in all social programs must involve moving clients to self-sufficiency, it will be put on probation with no increase in funding for 2 years, and after those 2 years will be defunded entirely if no progress is made.
10. Commitment to Transparency. Every major piece of legislation will be posted in plain english (no legalese) online during debate, giving constituents the opportunity to comment and express their own opinions. With the possible exception of national security matters, if a congresspersons' constituents oppose a major bill by more than 60%, that congressperson will commit to vote their constituents' wishes.