Congress should tighten budget

This is an open letter to our federal and state lawmakers and people I believe are interested in our country.

Here are some changes that need to take place in our government:

* Each bill should have no riders other than amendments to the original bill. No trading votes with add-ons as a sideline barter to squeeze through garbage as favors. Let's let the people know you are voting on a single issue. Attention will be paid to the issue, not a scatter of hidden issues that no one reads.

* No more payment for private trips or parties and flights to never-never land paid by the taxpayer. President Obama and many congressional members want America to tighten its belt but they host lavish vacations, trips and extensive parties on Americans' nickel. In short, if it is personal the president and Congress should pay for it themselves.

Darryl Ehlers

Lynden, Wash.