McHenry Backs Bill To Make Legislation Available To The American People

Press Release

McHenry Backs Bill To Make Legislation Available To The American People

Today, Congressman Patrick McHenry (NC-10) announced his support for H.Res.554, a resolution requiring that all legislation be disclosed to the public 72 hours prior to consideration by the House of Representatives. The resolution is sponsored by Democratic Congressman Brian Baird (WA-3) and Republican Congressman Greg Walden (OR-2).

The bipartisan legislation is currently co-sponsored by 42 Democrats and 139 Republicans. However, the leadership of the Democrat-controlled House refuses to hold a vote on the legislation.

"If you want to know how out-of-touch Washington really is, look no further. Congress is debating some of the most sweeping policy changes in our nation's history but some believe the legislation should be hidden from the American people," stated Congressman McHenry.

As a Senator, Barack Obama introduced similar 72-hour legislation and, as a presidential candidate, he promised to push it through Congress. Since being elected, President Obama has distanced himself from this common-sense proposal.

McHenry continued, "When Democratic leadership is this desperate to undermine government transparency, it certainly raises a red flag. What kind of legislation would need to be hidden from the public? The bad kind unfortunately."

In June, House Democratic leadership infamously posted the "cap-and-trade" climate change legislation online at 3:09 a.m. on the morning of the vote. The United States Congress cast a blind vote on a bill no one had even read, a bill that is now unpopular with the American people.

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