Letter to John Boehner, Speaker of the US House of Representatives - Regarding Rules for Consideration

Letter

Dear Speaker-designee Boehner,

As we prepare to consider the rules that will govern the business of the U.S. House of Representatives for the 112th Congress, we strongly urge the Republican leadership to provide an open rule for the consideration of the rules that will be proposed to the full House on Wednesday, January 5, 2011. It is our understanding that the Republican Conference will have the opportunity to amend the rules on January 4th, before they are considered in the House and we would hope that you will provide the full House the same opportunity.

You said it best in your September 20th, American Enterprise Institute speech, when you said: "instead of clamping down even further, it's my view that we should open things up and let the battle of ideas help break down the scar tissue between the two parties." There can be no better way to demonstrate your commitment to open rules in the 112th Congress than to ensure that the rules the full House will consider on Wednesday, January 5 are themselves considered under an open rule that will invite all Members to contribute to the final package that is adopted.

The rules of the House affect every piece of legislation we pass, and in this respect ultimately impact the lives of every single American. Furnishing all 435 Members an equal opportunity to recommend improvements to these rules can only strengthen the final product that will guide the important work we do on behalf of the American people in the next two years.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,