The midterm elections are fast approaching in November 2014; and, their potential impact is already being felt throughout Washington.

It is already evident that both parties want to be on the “right” side of popular issues so as to ensure their reelection and party control in both houses of Congress for the next two years.Democrats are walking a fine ideological line to maintain control of the Senate while Republicans seek to remain in control in the House and make a push for control of the Senate.

However, this has and continues to lead to gridlock in Washington and the death of much needed legislation that sits in limbo, as both house debate but refuse to budge on key issues. An obvious example of this gridlock is seen in the way that Congress has passed an all-time low of 72 bills this year, which falls short of the next lowest by 16 bills. This is unprecedented, as even in 2007, when President Bush dealt with a Democratic majority in both houses of Congress, he was able to pass 180 bills.

This failure of Congress to act on even minor legislation stems from the widening divide between both parties as neither will budge on major issues to compromise in the name of creating successful policy.It seems our elected officials would rather stick to their guns and block votes on legislation to prove points and refuse to make adjustments to bills based on principle disagreements. This only hurts the American public, as the most efficient forms of bills are  created and principle issues continue to be left open ended and unsolved.

Regardless of what side you are on, I think we can all agree that the people don’t want an ineffective gridlocked government. Thus, when you stop and think about it, this highlights the notion that candidates campaign to connect with the people, win over their hearts, minds, and ultimately get their votes; but, once they get elected, they seem to disconnect from the people and connect with their colleagues within their party in Washington vote along party lines, despite what the people want.

Sadly, due to the nature of things in Washington, even minor adjustments to laws necessary for the more efficient operation of the government are being left to die in the Congressional chambers and gridlock prevents any improvement.It’s time Congress realized that compromise and negotiation are in the best interests of the American people and regardless of party position; it is the people’s opinion and welfare that should be driving government action.

The time to step out of party corners and out of gridlock is now, for the good of this country and every person in it.  I encourage every American to vote. Vote to make a change, to have an impact, to ensure that our government remains in our hands so that we can have policies that will not be best for a party but best for the people of the United States of America.

Billy Sharp