Divisions between Republican and Democratic lawmakers have been prominent features in Washington for decades, but the recent events in Congress have highlighted them even more. This was the case in late-April when Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) highlighted the differences between the two parties.
Massie pointed out that the divided nature of Washington politics was most evident when it comes to the legislative branch. In his opinion, the root of the problem is the fact that the two chambers of Congress, the Senate and the House of Representatives, each come from different parties. This divide creates opposing sides in much of the legislation presented before Congress, making agreement between the two difficult.
Massie spoke about the inefficient nature of Washington, comparing it unfavorably to the business sector, which runs on efficiency and productivity. He believes that lawmakers should strive to bridge the gap that exists between the two political parties, as it is the only way to create meaningful legislation.
According to Massie, Congress should focus on developing relationships and learning to compromise. He believes that the success of the legislative system depends upon building constructive relationships, arguing that dialogue and compromise should be a priority when it comes to addressing the nation’s significant problems.
Massie’s remarks are indicative of the stubborn divide that exists in Washington. His argument reveals how difficult it can be to bridge the gap between two ideologies, regardless of the political party. If both sides are willing to work together to form a reasonable solution, however, Congress can still act as a working, effective lawmaking body. Though it may be difficult to agree on much when it comes to politics, it’s time for both sides to put aside their differences and come up with a common ground.