Hoxie forum examines American government through ex-Congressmen’s eyes

The University of Northern Iowa's Hoxie Forum held a discussion Monday titled "Who Leads? Congress and the President in the American System" with two former Congressmen, Bill Burlison and Phil English.

Scott Peters, an associate professor of political science, served as the moderator and guided the ex-representatives through issues such as the importance of the executive and legislative branches of government, presidential leadership and contemporary topics like Guantanamo Bay and healthcare reform. A brief reception followed the forum.

Both congressmen came to UNI through a program that tours ex-Congressmen to campuses around the nation to promote discussion and education about government. Burlison was a Democratic representative for Mississippi from 1969-1981 and served in committees for agriculture, intelligence and appropriations.

English was a Republican representative for Pennsylvania from 2003-2009 and sat on the Ways and Means Committee.

The forum began with a look at healthcare reform in the United States. According to English, in a normal setting, many committees would come together to form a bill, with the majority party directing the action. However, all reform efforts are stunted due to a lack of bipartisanship.

The GOP minority feels they have been left out and the connections have broken down, with no bipartisanship in the House of Representatives and a small group attempting to make progress, led by Iowa's own Charles Grassley.

With the healthcare industry making up one-sixth of the US economy, the issue has "complex problems with moving parts."

"What's the most important issue?" said Burlison. "Healthcare is not the most important issue to preserve our democracy."

Burlison warned of the current recession reminiscent of the Great Depression. Since the 1980s, the national debt has increased twelvefold. Also, it makes for a third of the public debt and national budget.

According to Burlison, to cure the debt problem, the United States must require the richest members of society to pay more in taxes, along with the passing of a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced budget. Finally, instead of pointing fingers, Burlison believes the "problem and solution is bipartisan."

"The processes are greatly in need of reform," said English.

The former Congressmen found common ground on other issues relating to presidential powers. According to them, the presidential powers have become grossly unequal to that of the Congress and need to be rung in. Congress also must continue its oversight of government programs and come together to make progress.

As for presidential signing statements, Burlison and English found them to be misused.

"Both presidents Bush and now president Obama are wrong for using those statements," said Burlison.

"Bush's use is an unhealthy trend," agreed English.

Many other events are planned for the upcoming academic year through the Hoxie Forum. For more information, contact Donna Hoffman, UNI associate professor of political science, at donna.hoffman@uni.edu or 273-5916.