October 15 – Congress often approves legislation without giving its Members or the American people a chance to read it. Earlier this year, the Democratic House leadership added hundreds of pages to the cap-and-trade legislation in the dark of night, essentially ramming through a $846 billion national energy tax that the public and Members of Congress did not have the opportunity to read. This is not a transparent or effective way to govern.

The American people demand transparency and accountability from their government. That is why I have cosponsored a resolution that would force Speaker Pelosi to give Members of Congress and the public 72 hours to review a bill before it is voted on in the House. I also signed a discharge petition that would bring this bill directly to the floor for an up or down vote.

With Congress considering vital issues such as health care reform and the war in Afghanistan, the public needs to know what is in the legislation and how it may affect them. Americans deserve an opportunity to review proposed legislation and provide input to their representatives before Congress votes.