House Joint Resolution 54 proposes a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United by limiting independent political spending by corporations, unions and other organizations. While many Americans are concerned about the influence of money in politics, I believe this proposal targets the wrong problem.
Businesses create jobs, unions represent workers, advocacy organizations champion causes and individuals all have a right to participate in the political process. None should lose their voice.
The deeper problem isn’t who is allowed to speak. It’s that career politicians spend decades cultivating relationships with the same donors and special interests. The longer someone remains in office, the greater the incentive for those interests to invest in that politician.
If we the people truly want to reduce the influence of money in Washington, we should focus our efforts on a constitutional amendment that could make the greatest difference: congressional term limits. Limiting years in office would weaken the power of entrenched interests, encourage fresh ideas and restore greater accountability to those elected to serve.
Perhaps congressional term limits are the constitutional amendment America should be debating.
