Many people believe that Congress has become disfunctional. Seniority leading to senility, lobbying to scandal, partisanship to gridlock, power to corruption all reinforce this view. The balance of power has been upset. Reform is needed. I have an idea.

First consider the call for "term limits." Many people believe the answer lies in limiting the number of years a representative may serve. I agree. A Constitutional Amendment will be needed. Debate will flush out unintended consequences.

Try this on for size:

1. Congressmen (members of the House of Representatives) are limited to two terms. After four years they have either earned sufficient reputation in their state to move up or its time to look at alternatives.
   
2. Senators may serve only one six year term.
3. Twelve Senator-at-Large positions (in three classes) to be filled by the highest vote getters nationwide with the election structured so that voters may vote for as many of the candidates as they see fit. No term limits apply.
   

Senators-at-Large would fill the leadership positions in the Senate.

The idea is that leaders should represent more than their districts. They should help lead the country in the right direction and by doing so will enhance their own reputations. Moving from Congress to the Senate requires convincing voters of your state that you are working for them. Moving to the At-Large positions requires national recognition.

Senators At Large would become the natural candidates for the Presidency.

In an additional reform the House would be the only place new legislation could be introduced. Once approved by the House, legislation would be considered by the Senate for approval or rejection "as-is". Post approval conference would be eliminated.

The Senate would be able to repeal any laws it saw fit but not introduce new laws.