The Hopeful Decline of Partisanship in Congress
By: Taylor O Neil
Tags: Politics, Students

Source: Pixaby

2020 has been a maliciously eventful year — this being the one thing we as the American public can agree on. Filled with COVID difficulties, racial injustices, riots, and the controversial 2020 election it assimilates a plot to a bad horror movie. A common denominator for many of these issues is the political partisan pandemic making waves in our country.

In March of 2020, COVID became a real, serious, and frightening problem in the United States. Schools, restaurants, and businesses closed — a circumstance that was dystopian and strange. The ones that were fortunate enough to stay open required a new phenomenon to be worn — masks. A month later, in April, Reuters published an article describing a partisan divide in Congress. Democrats had proposed a COVID rescue package — one that would cost nearly $2 trillion. In response to this proposal, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) — the Senate majority leader — stated that he would “be in favor” of those states going bankrupt rather than provide them with the rescue package. “I hope he comes to his senses,” is minority leader Sen. Chuck Schumer’s (D-NY) response.

How is the United States expected to resolve COVID issues when our elected government officials can’t put their own beliefs aside to help their people and help one another? Simple answer — it cannot be done. In order for our elected officials and our society to grow as people and aid each other, we must work to suppress our political beliefs and partisanship to aid our decision-making and success as a nation.

Luckily as Americans, Congress and other branches of government have caught onto this. Their foolish arrogance and pride — although great — does not cloud their judgment to the point where they cannot see a sliver of reason. As Amy Klobuchar said, “When it’s for the good of the state, you put your partisan differences aside.”

Before the childish debacle that took place in April, there was an agreement to pass the CARES — Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Stability — act signed in at the end of March. According to NPR’s article on the topic, the act brought forth economic aid to individuals in need, public health, education, state and local governments, and corporations — both big and small. For this bill, Mitch McConnell “vowed to put partisanship aside”. McConnell was the one to officially sponsor this, as shown by Congress.gov.

CARES is a rarity. It is one of the few times an agreement for the greater good of the American people is not placed on the back burner in lieu of senators, congressmen — and women — , as well as other politicians proving their superiority — moral or otherwise. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), this act has aided 84% of Americans who responded to the Household Pulse Survey (HPS) provided by the BLS. Showing how the American people benefit when partisanship and hostility are laid to rest.

Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) collaboratively wrote for the Washington Post this month. Their work included the fact that economists believe the COVID relief packages passed throughout this year have benefited our country greatly by keeping “ millions out of poverty” while also preventing “small businesses across the country from closing permanently.” Both the senators claim that although there is a “broad consensus that more relief is desperately needed”, Congress has only managed “one stalemate after another.” Admirably, Warner and Collins chose to work together to help their respective states and this great country. Their acts are what all politicians should strive to achieve. Still, members of each party would rather “smear the other side than get things done,” showing that not everyone is willing to bury the hatchet.

A new COVID relief deal has been discussed — one that many hope will do more for Americans than the last one. McConnell and Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), have been at each other’s throats. They have consistently and repeatedly been piling the responsibility — or lack thereof — on one another. However, Pelosi recently went to the press with an announcement that she has hope that “Democrats and Republicans are moving towards compromise” — this quote from NPR. McConnell also “acknowledged the two sides were moving toward each other” and saying to the Senate, “We know where we agree. We can do this.”

The expectations are set and clear. With the major parts of government inching towards bipartisanship and letting go of their strong and dense partisan views, benefits to all sides are expected. They are moving towards a better future, but it is not solely up to them. It is also up to us — the American people. It would be in the best interest of the country — which strangely not everyone prioritizes — that we look towards each other for help, guidance, and wisdom. Our political beliefs are not who we are as people. Our political beliefs do not control who we can befriend and who we can cherish.

For the future to be brighter and harmonious we must all understand the importance of one another. We must acknowledge that the freedom to possess differing opinions is the beauty and purpose of America. If the power-hungry and bendable politicians can understand this, so can we. America’s future depends on it. Don’t turn a blind eye when cooperation is in sight.