The Lincoln Times

CONGRESS AND POLITICS

The Times is inclined to agree with Congressman C. R. Jonas, who returns to Washington today, that the new (1956) session of Congress convening January 3 will probably be the "biggest, most stormy and politickin' session ever."

Rep. Jonas lamented the fact that, as 1956 is a presidential year, Congress will have to work in the political atmosphere of an election year and he has always felt that the best work of Congress cannot be accomplished with politics so dominant on the scene. On this observation and opinion, The Times agrees with Congressman Jonas.

The issues facing the new Congress are great and complexing ones—taxes, farm program, new highways, federal aid to education, foreign aid, budget spending, housing, etc., and much time and study should be taken by the lawmakers on these problems before resolving them by vote. Decisions should not be made solely with politics in mind, and we're afraid that will often happen. The peoples' interests should come first in the debate on all issues.

So, look for Congressional action in the new term to be described in most instances as "surprising," "unexpected," "unpredictable," "politically-inspired." Some Congressmen, like Jonas, will continue to perform their duties in a statesman-like manner and not "spouting off" for the newspaper headlines. Others, will act the politician and spout off a lot on about every subject they think will win a headline, or on issues which they think their constituents might be interested. Few of the lawmakers, you can be sure, will be casting a vote on anything they think might be unpopular with the voters.