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BUCHANAN & RON PAUL DRAFT SUNSHINE BILL
Dr. Richard Swier
Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Reps. Vern Buchanan (FL-13) and Ron Paul (TX-14) have introduced legislation to give the public at least three days to review legislation before it could be brought to the floor for a vote.
"We need to change the way Washington does business," said Buchanan, who noted the content of the 1,100-page, trillion-dollar stimulus package was approved last month with only 12 hours public notice. "Voting on bills before the public has a chance to read the content is not responsible," Buchanan said. "This bill will increase transparency and give people time to read the bills and make their views known."
The Sunlight Rule, introduced in the House Thursday, would amend the rules of the House to prohibit any piece of legislation from being brought to a vote unless it has been made widely available in print and electronic format for at least 10 days, or 72 hours for conference reports and amendments. The requirement could not be waived (unless in the case of national emergency?).
Buchanan said the idea of mandating a public notification period was brought to his attention by several of his constituents in Sarasota last month. "Some of the best ideas to reform Congress come from the people," the congressman said.
www.redcounty.com/sarasota/2009/03/buchanan-ron-paul-draft-sunshi/#respond