Spotlight On: "Read the Bill" Legislation

Rep. Geoff Davis (KY) touched on important "Read the Bill" legislation in his weekly column, as House Republicans are devoted to ensuring time to fully read lengthy bills before they are voted on. Rep. Greg Walden (OR) has been one the most vocal supporters of "Read the Bill" legislation as well. Read and excerpt of Congressman Davis' column and watch Congressman Walden's television clip on the matter below.

From Davis:

It is past time for this practice to stop. 

Both the American people and their representatives should have a reasonable opportunity to read a bill and understand its impact and cost before the vote.  That is why I am a co-sponsor of H.Res. 554, a bipartisan resolution that would require all non-emergency legislation to be posted online, in its final form, for at least seventy-two hours prior to a floor vote. 

In an effort to ensure this important legislation is brought to the House floor without delay, I recently joined 182 of my colleagues in signing a “discharge petition” that would force Speaker Nancy Pelosi to allow a vote on H.Res. 554.  A discharge petition with 218 signatures or more is a procedural tool that forces a vote on legislation when the Speaker refuses to allow consideration on the House floor.  You can read H.Res. 554 and find an up-to-date list of co-sponsors and signatures on the discharge petition by visiting www.thomas.gov and entering the bill number.

Walden's TV appearance: