The members of Congress have many roles. These include legislation and representation. As a member of Congress, my role when it comes to service delivery for purposes of national interest and local interests of my constituents, remain limitless (Grill 64). Since each member of Congress has a different home representing different people and different geographical locations, the problems that affect the people are unique to that area.
In Washington D.C, my main role is formulating laws. Drafting a piece of legislation starts from the committees and sub-committees. In this small setting in the house, real work is scrutinized (Goehlert 255). As a member of the Congress, I would first fight to be a member and executive of as many committees as possible. This would enable me to have enormous influence on the legislation policy proposals. Besides, I would also establish contacts within the house for me to effectively represent the local interests of my constituents on the floor of the house. Being a member of many committees would also give me a chance to attend as many house sessions. This would give me an opportunity to participate and make decisions more often on the floor of the house.
On election to Congress, one’s role is delegation (Grill 35). This leaves me with no choice but to always vote according to the wishes of the majority of my constituents. Interaction with other members, politicians, on the floor of the house, and in committee and sub-committee meetings and in extension, private, informal settings opens opportunities for debates, persuasion and compromise of bills and development agendas. Delegation of duties will also be important so that other Congressional staff may act on my behalf, particularly attending to issues of my constituents. I would come up with policies and guidelines to fulfil my promises and do my duties.I would also appoint appropriate staff to assist me carry out these tasks.
As a Congressman, one should always strike a balance between national interest and local interests at home when debating on the floor of the house (Eccleston 102). I would maintain an office in my district fully equipped with staff and resources to effectively handle any requests from the constituents. These staff would act on my behalf. I would also organize district meeting strategies. This would ensure that I meet most of the constituents, know them on personally and answer their questions. This strategy would help me solve problems in the district and to maintain a link with the people I would be representing in Washington D.C. As an active member of the committees and sub-committees, I would introduce laws and policies that would ensure that I handle issues affecting my district. Those issues would include; infrastructure, health and education. That would directly benefit my constituents.
A member of the Congress should at least take home ‘bacon’ (Rosenblatt 110). Money should also be raised through noble government policies for spending in the local projects (LeVert 124). As a member of the Congress, one has a duty to oversee the provision of the money and its proper expenditure for tangible results at home. I would also conduct polls and issue questionnaires to people living in the district. This would be done to get various suggestions and views on important issues affecting the public. That would inform me about the views of my constituents and what they want. A lot is expected from a member of the Congress. A good character and image is mandatory for good leadership (Bruch 146).
Works Cited
Bruch, Carl. Public Participation in the Governance. Tokyo: United Nations UP, 2005. Print.
Eccleston, Linda M. When I Grow Up, I Want to Be a Member of Congress: A Young Person’s Guide to Understanding the Congress of the United States. Scotts Valley, CA: CreateSpace, 2010. Print.
Goehlert, Robert, and Fenton S. Martin. Members of Congress: A Bibliography. Washington, D.C.: Congressional Quarterly, 1996. Print.
Grill, Christopher J. The Public Side of Representation a Study of Citizens’ Views about Representatives and the Representative Process. Albany: State U of New York, 2007. Print.
LeVert, Suzanne. The Congress. New York: Benchmark, 2003. Print.
Rosenblatt, Gemma. A year in the life: From member of the public to member of Parlianment. Washington:Hansard Society, 2006. Print.