In response to what he describes as unbearable stagnation in Congress, Rep. Johnny Olszewski, a first-term Democrat from Maryland, has proposed a bold amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would enable voters to bypass Congress and pass federal laws directly. This move comes on the heels of one of the most inactive sessions in over four decades, prompting Olszewski to seek drastic measures.

During a recent interview, Olszewski expressed his disillusionment with the current state of affairs. "It's been a long two years," he stated, pointing out the "dysfunction and missed opportunities" as particularly disheartening for a newcomer to Capitol Hill. His frustrations stem from Congress's inability to pass widely supported initiatives such as banning congressional stock trading, mandating body cameras for police officers, and protecting rights to in vitro fertilization.

The proposed constitutional amendment, unveiled in a draft shared with POLITICO, outlines a process where American voters could propose and vote on federal laws independently of Congress. To get a measure on the ballot, proponents would need to collect signatures from at least 5% of the electorate from the last presidential election in 25 states within an 18-month period. For these measures to become law, they would require a 60% majority in a national referendum. However, this direct-democracy route would exclude decisions on war declarations or federal spending.

Olszewski acknowledged the challenges and potential complications of his proposal, which requires the daunting support of two-thirds of both the House and Senate, plus ratification from three-quarters of the states. Despite these hurdles, he remains hopeful. "If we were acting, there'd be no need for this to come into play," he explained, seeing his amendment as a crucial fallback for an electorate dissatisfied with congressional inaction.

The congressman, who used to be a civics teacher, hopes that at the very least, his proposal will ignite a conversation about the need for reform in how Congress operates. "I understand that any constitutional amendment is going to be difficult," Olszewski admitted. But with Congress so mired in gridlock, he sees this upcoming lame duck session as a prime opportunity to discuss how best to serve the American people's needs.

Whether Olszewski's proposal gains traction or flounders remains to be seen, but it certainly marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over the effectiveness and responsiveness of the United States Congress.