"In every election in American history, both parties have their clichés. The party that has the clichés that ring true with the most voters always wins." – Newt Gingrich

Newt Gingrich's “Contract with America” in the 1994 midterms gave Republicans control of Congress for the first time in 40 years. This was not a typical election gimmick. It was a real deal that appealed to Americans. The "Contract" listed eight reforms Republicans committed to enact, included in ten bills they promised to get to floor if they were to become the majority in Congress.

Republicans pledged each bill would be given a fair, open debate, a fair vote, and the context of each one would be available for public scrutiny. The text of the proposed bills would be released prior to the election. These were real issues for all voters. They addressed a balanced budget, tax cuts for small businesses, families and seniors, Social Security, as well as tort and welfare reform.

Congressional reporter Major Garrett opined, "The Contract was largely a commitment to America meant to satisfy middle-class sensibilities." Republicans interviewed by Garrett said it represented responsible goals that all Americans could relate to. These were ongoing concerns voters wanted Congress to correct. They were nonpartisan, common sense things that all voters wanted mitigated.

Political scientists cite the Contract as key to the decisive victory for the Republicans in the 1994 elections. They said the idea of the Contract to unite Americans under a cloak of common causes for the first time was unique strategy. Some parts of the Contract were enacted, while others were vetoed by President Bill Clinton. But the Contract proved that the Republicans did what they promised to do.

"Sometimes I wonder why I'm even here? Congress runs this government, not me." – Bill Clinton

Since President Joe Biden took office, Republicans have been too busy defending the Constitution to present any meaningful legislation of their own. They have spent everyday in Congress swashbuckling with progressives to maintain some semblance of order in our republic. Republicans have not been able to get one piece of meaningful, much-needed legislation through committee to the floor for a vote.
 

This month, when Republicans rebuffed Chuck Schumer's attempt to pass legislation to make it easier to continually raise the nation's debt ceiling, Schumer blasted Republicans: “For the good of America, for the good of our economy, Republicans must allow us to fix the debt limit without continually telling us the only responsible way to fix it is to cut spending and live within our budget."

Progressives are campaigning that the Republicans have no policies to run on and have labeled the GOP "the party of no." In a recent news conference, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi remarked, "Republicans are out of touch with our changing times and have nothing to offer voters except a promise to vote no on every bill Democrats pass in Congress. They are living in the past, with no ideas of their own."

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said he has had enough, and is fighting back, just before the midterms. He has borrowed a page out of Newt Gingrich's playbook and has come up with his own blueprint to unify voters and the GOP before the midterms, with his "Commitment to America".

"Voters are tired of constant obstruction. We need a legislative agenda that appeals to everyone. The 'Commitment to America' represents a new path and direction for America." – Kevin McCarthy

The blueprint McCarthy plans to unveil in his Commitment to America is designed to provide a messaging guide for incumbents and candidates. Just as Gingrich’s Contract, his Commitment to America is expected to recapitulate Republican plans to address pressing national problems by the midterms. McCarthy hopes this will convince voters to give the Republicans control of the House.

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