AMERICANS DEMAND TRANSPARENCY FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS 

Today the nonpartisan, nonprofit Sunlight Foundation honored Congressman Culberson and Congressman Brian Baird (D-WA) with the “Sunlight on the Hill Award” for their efforts to post legislation online at least 72 hours prior to a vote. The Sunlight Foundation also delivered the signatures of tens of thousands of Americans who support the resolution, H.Res.554, coauthored by Congressmen Culberson and Baird.

Ellen Miller, executive director and co-founder of the Sunlight Foundation praised the Congressmen saying “Congressmen Baird and Culberson are transparency trailblazers who are setting the standard for legislative transparency in the 21st century— recognizing that legislation is not truly public unless it is online. The Sunlight Foundation commends Congressmen Baird and Culberson for their leadership in introducing and promoting the passage of H. Res. 554, which would require the House to post all legislation online for at least 72 hours before debate. This resolution has bipartisan support in the House, but even more significantly, has received the endorsement of tens of thousands of Americans who have signed Sunlight’s petition at http://ReadTheBill.org, showing broad public support for this transparency measure.”

Congressman Culberson thanked the Sunlight Foundation for their support and their commitment to transparency. Congressman Culberson said, “These signatures are further evidence that the American people demand transparency from their elected officials.  H.Res.544 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 will continue urging the Speaker to hold a vote on this important resolution.”