Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore., and Rep. Brian Baird, D-Wash., launched a bipartisan effort Wednesday to require all legislation be made available on the Internet at least 72 hours before a vote on the House floor.
The measure would amend the Rules of the House of Representatives to mandate that all legislation and conference reports be posted in full and online in a format searchable by text, three days before a vote.
Exceptions would be made for classified material, which would continue to be handled under existing laws and rules. The resolution also would require a two-thirds majority vote to waive the 72-hour requirement for a national emergency.
On Wednesday, Walden filed a discharge petition, which requires 218 signatures to bring the legislation up for a vote on the House floor. The bill currently has 98 co-sponsors, including Democrats and Republicans.
Walden and Baird agree this is not about partisan politics. The goal is transparency.
"People always want to know, 'Have you read these bills?'" Walden said. "Members of Congress, the public and the press all deserve the time to read these bills before we have to vote on them on the House floor. ... It doesn't guarantee good government, but it helps." - FOX News Story
I am not quite sure how you can really vote against this bill. I am sure that the talking heads will come up with some BS to try and sell us.
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