Get facts right when seeking reforms

An Aug. 10 Fence Post letter contained some erroneous information. Mr. Yarrington proposed some laws that he believes would contribute to congressional reform. Most of us would probably agree that there is much room for reform in Washington, but it is important to focus on those concerns that have not already been addressed.

For example, Congress has already been participating in Social Security since 1984. They are also in the same category as all of the other federal employees when it comes to their medical insurance. They don’t have their own private program.

Finally, Congress is not exempt from laws that they pass. The Congress passed the Congressional Accountability Act in 1994, which applies a dozen civil rights, labor and workplace safety regulations to the legislative branch. It might be instructive to note, however, that the Constitution provides a measure of privilege to legislators in Article I, Section 6, which reads: “They shall in all Cases, except Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, be privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place.” This was apparently written out of concern that presidents might try to bully members of Congress by threatening them with arrest.

This information is available on government websites and factcheck.org.

Kevin Corry

Bartlett