Wendell Ford: “throughout this debate, I have heard many of my colleagues tell us that public confidence of the Congress is at an all…”

“throughout this debate, I have heard many of my colleagues tell us that public confidence of the Congress is at an all time low. I think it is important for all us to recognize that there is no magic wand to restore public confidence in this institution. Restoring confidence requires a step by step change in the way we are perceived by our constituents. We have already initiated some reforms. For example, Members are now required to pay a fee to use the services of the attending physician and a fee to use the Senate gym. We recognize that there is an intense perception problem--and it is this perception which must be corrected if we seek to restore public confidence. But it is not an individual Member issue. It is the institution, the Congress, which is the issue. The public believes that while we seek their vote in our campaigns for the common interest, we respond to special interests after the election. And actions speak louder than words when we are being wined and dined, entertained, or accepting campaign contributions by lobbyists and special interest groups. Believe me, those actions reinforce the public's belief. When the public sees Members on golf links or tennis courts with these groups, their respect for the stature of the Member is diminished despite the justifiable reasons for such an event.”