The Hill News

With the State of the Union fast approaching and Congress sharply divided along party lines, there has been a renewed call for members of Congress to sit next to Members of the opposite party during the President’s speech. Reporters have had a field day with this idea, referring to it as a “date night.” Talk about “bringing popcorn” and a “coke with two straws” has brought some light-heartedness to a tense body.

This is all well and good, but there is an important issue here: How can Republicans and Democrats in Congress work together to address the most urgent needs of the American people? Remember that last year, in solidarity with our beloved colleague, Rep. Gabby Giffords (D-Ariz.), we had bipartisan seating at the State of the Union. Unfortunately that moment lasted but a few days, as bitter partisan disagreements soon commenced.

History shows that partisan gridlock is not inevitable. Eisenhower and Democrats in Congress teamed up to establi! sh an Interstate Highway System. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 successfully passed through the Senate due to the leadership of liberal Hubert Humphrey and conservative Everett Dirksen. Nixon joined with Democrats and Republicans to create the EPA and pass public health legislation, so Americans of all political stripes can breathe clean air and drink clean water. The McGovern-Dole International Food and Education Program, which both alleviates extreme poverty and engenders goodwill toward America, is another example of what we can accomplish when we work together.

Read more...