Not Our National Security

     The 111th United States Congress is coming to an end at the end of this year.  Our new 112th United States Congress will be meeting in January of 2011.  Congress has overcome many issues and has informed us about what occurs behind closed doors. Although they have been adamant in dealing with pressing issues, they have failed to make improvements to our national security.  They failed to provide funding for the U.S. Agency for National Development and the State Department. Their inability to support these organizations has affected job opportunities for the public and the creation of new programs. Our overseas relations with other countries has also been affected with Congress' tactics. Senate has held nominee's positions for our national security hostage, which has left us with little representation overseas. Their lack of interest in our national security has also left us with little political representation within the states. Their performance in national security has been declining over the past 30 years due to our country's diverse political background and globalization. Congress cannot stop globalization or impose a particular political ideology on a person, because ideas change.  The work week our lawmakers undertake is not enough time to allow them to contemplate on issues our country is facing. Instead of them working three days a week, they should be forced to work five days.  If they have more time to think about issues our country is facing, then it would benefit us.  Many lawmakers within Congress sit on different committees which affects the amount of time they can spend on different issues. If they were limited to a certain number of committees they can sit on, our national security may improve. The relationship that Congress and our executive branch share needs to improve. If the two were to consult each other regularly on stagnant issues, progression can finally be made.
     Is there anything Americans can do to help Congress contribute to our national security?  The answer is yes.  If Americans were to come together to write letters to Congress about the issues affecting our country, they may take into consideration what needs to be done.  Society as a whole needs to become more involved in our government because the policies made by officials affects our life everyday.  Our world is ever-changing and our government needs to constantly make changes to fit our lifestyles.  Congress should really focus on what would benefit our country, instead of doing what they feel is best for themselves.  Once Congress transforms their behavior in reforming our country, our national security will be much stronger than before.