Only 15 percent of Americans approve of Congress’s performance. But what has caused it to malfunction, and how can we mend it? These were the questions posed by Reason’s Nick Gillespie to Justin Amash in February at Students for Liberty’s LibertyCon. Amash, a former congressman from Michigan of Palestinian-Syrian descent, is now seeking a Senate seat as a Republican.
Initially elected during the Tea Party movement in 2010, Amash played a role in forming the House Freedom Caucus but later stood alone as a steadfast advocate for restraining the federal government’s size, reach, and expenditures. Amid the first impeachment of President Donald Trump, Amash parted ways with the GOP, became an independent, and voted for impeachment. He joined the Libertarian Party in 2020, becoming the sole Libertarian in Congress.
Q: What has led to the dysfunction in Congress, and how can we address it?
A: The exact path to Congress’s current state is unclear, but it now operates in a highly centralized manner, with a select few individuals at the helm controlling everything. This setup has numerous adverse effects on our nation. One consequence is that the president wields an immense amount of power because negotiations are limited to just a few key figures. The president only needs to engage with the speaker of the House, the Senate majority leader, and perhaps some minority leaders. This restricted negotiation circle grants the president significant leverage.
For instance, when it comes to unauthorized military actions, if neither the speaker of the House nor the Senate majority leader hold the president accountable, the president can act as he pleases. Similarly, in matters of spending, if the president only needs to consult a couple of individuals, he can essentially dictate decisions. The system makes it effortless for the president to dominate Congress and dictate outcomes.
Q: How were you first introduced to libertarian ideas?
A: My parents’ immigrant background in the United States exposed me to these concepts. My father arrived as a Palestinian refugee, born in 1940. When Israel was established in 1948, he became a refugee. My mother hails from Syria.
Despite starting with little wealth upon their arrival, my parents believed in the opportunities America offered. My father, a struggling refugee, saw a chance to start anew, to succeed despite his different background and limited English proficiency compared to many. He believed in the American dream, where anyone, regardless of their origins or obstacles, could thrive. This belief resonated with me from a young age.
Q: You voted in favor of impeaching Donald Trump. Was that one of the toughest decisions in your legislative history?
A: I believe that the most challenging votes are the ones where you stand alone, not just against one party but against the majority. It’s one thing to make a divisive vote where half the country supports you and the other half opposes you. The real challenge lies in taking a principled stand when you know that the public, by a vast majority, will misunderstand and oppose your decision. These are the tough votes—protecting people’s rights through principled actions, even when it deviates from the expected narrative.
This interview has been edited and condensed for style and clarity.
