4-Mar-10 10:00 AM CST

$15 Billion in a Few Hours

Members of Congress and, more importantly, the American taxpayers have not had a chance to read the "jobs bill" and debate its implications.

Today, the House will vote on a $15 billion "jobs bill." Although it is scheduled to be voted on in a few hours, Members of Congress and, more importantly, the American taxpayers have not had a chance to read the bill and debate its implications.

Of course, this sort of behavior is not new. Several record spending bills were passed by the House last year without a chance for Members of Congress and the American people to read them. Last June, Rep. Brian Baird (D-WA) and I introduced H.Res. 554, a resolution requiring the House of Representatives to make bills and conference reports available online for 72 hours before they are considered by the House. This resolution will enhance public participation in our democracy and help restore the public trust in government by raising the level of openness, order and discourse. I urge the Speaker to give the American people at least the weekend to read this bill so Members can stop voting blind.

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