Taking Leadership

If the Republicans plan on winning the Senate and keeping the House, it is incumbent upon congressional Republican leadership to lead on some of the more important legislation that is in the hopper right now.

One of the most important pieces under consideration is immigration reform. This issue has been a headache for the last three presidents, so much so that in George Bush's  second term, he tried to get a bill passed but was unsuccessful. President Obama recognized President Bush for this endeavor at the Bush Library opening celebration last week.

The Senate "gang of 8", which includes Senators Schumer, Flake, McCain and Rubio, have worked diligently over the last months on the details that are included in this bill and contains many provisions that both Democrats and Republicans can agree on. While it is not perfect, it is comprehensive. Senator Rubio has said that the "gang" is open to suggestions from other Senators and from the public at large. I think that if the Congress can mark up the bill, debate it and present it to the President for his signature by July 4, that would send a truly positive message to the Hispanic community.

Another issue that needs to be addressed is tax reform. In 1986, President Reagan and House Speaker O'Neil found a common middle ground to overhaul an outdated and painful tax structure that was very top heavy. They were able to take many tiers of tax level to just three.

Almost 30 years have elapsed since then, and once again, the tax structure has become painfully top heavy. Since the Constitution delegates the House of Representatives with the responsibility to write the tax law and Republicans control the House, it time for Speaker Boehner to take responsibility and lead on this issue. I think the time for procrastinating and waiting for the President to act is over. And this should be done before the Fiscal Year ends on September 30.

And finally, it is time for the Congress to write and vote on a budget for FY 2014. The public is tired of the dance that the leadership twirls to every year. Both parties and the President have to take responsibility for the ongoing gridlock in Washington.

We are broke and can longer afford to spend like a drunken sailor on a Saturday night. Not having a budget for the last four years is the fault of everyone involved. If we ran our households this way, the bill collectors would be at our doors. So the time to act is now, to pass a budget by August 31 and give to the President to sign fully one month before the start of the new Fiscal Year.

Taking leadership means taking responsibility. Since the President is unable or unwilling to lead on these important issues, who in the Congress will?

It's time to step forward and be counted. Your countrymen await you.