Draining the Swamp From Within [OPINION]

If President Donald Trump is going to be successful in draining the swamp, he is going to need some help on the inside. That help may have arrived in the form of Sen. Mike Braun (R-Indiana).

Braun, a businessman for 37 years, served in the Indiana House from 2014-2017 before being elected to the U.S. Senate last fall. Braun has already introduced a “No Budget, No Pay” proposal which would prevent Congress from getting paid if they fail to pass a budget on time.

"It’s absurd that Congress continues to reward itself for its inaction, which would never fly in the private sector," said Braun in an op-ed for FoxNews.com.

But Braun isn't stopping there. The freshman senator is filing another bill aimed at reining in abuse. The End Pensions in Congress (EPIC) Act would end annual taxpayer-funded pensions for members of Congress. Braun says such lofty congressional perks are a big part of why nothing seems to get done on Capitol Hill.

"These generous congressional perks incentivize political survival over bold leadership and it’s time we end this congressional benefit for everyone," he said.

Braun says House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi, already a multi-millionaire, is eligible for a  taxpayer-funded six-figure annual pension after serving 33 years in Congress.

Braun has been on the job less than a month and is already showing the kind of leadership that is necessary to drain the swamp and move the country away from the gridlock that prevents progress on so many issues important to the American people.

Barun says he will refuse his own Congressional pension, but if forced to accept it, will donate it to charity. Now that's leadership by example.

Barry Richard is the host of The Barry Richard Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. Contact him at barry@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @BarryJRichard58. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.