Should Congress Be Subjected to Random Drug Testing?

What’s the story?

• Louisiana Republican Rep. Clay Higgins - who retains his certification as a deputy marshal -  has introduced a resolution that would require senators and representatives to undergo random drug tests once every term.

Why the proposed resolution?

• "I have observed some behavior that would cause one to wonder," Higgins joked in an interview with USA Today Network. He then became serious:

"This isn't a stunt. It's not about shaming or embarrassing or ending members' careers. It's about our body adhering to the same standards almost every other working man and woman is held to on the job. We should be reflective of the people."

• Members of Congress would have to reimburse taxpayers for program costs.
• Should a Rep. or Sen. test positive for illegal drug use, they would be reported to the Committee on Ethics.

What’s the reaction?

• Louisiana Democratic Party executive director Stephen Handwerk dismissed the resolution as a gimmick and urged voters to support Higgins’ opponent, Mimi Methvin.

What do you think?

Should members of Congress be randomly tested for drugs? Hit Take Action and tell your reps.

—Josh Herman

(Photo Credit: iStock.com / KLH49)