Buchanan, Heller Demand Super Committee Transparency

Press Release

Letter to Super Committee Members requests public meetings

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan (FL-13) and Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) wrote a letter to each of the newly-appointed members of the bicameral Super Committee today requesting open proceedings. The letter asks that all meetings and hearings be conducted in a transparent manner through advanced public notification, public attendance and live television broadcasts.

"This is a pivotal point in our nation's history," said Congressman Buchanan. "The critical decisions made by the joint committee should be conducted under the watchful eye of the American people."

"Congress should have seized the moment to pass a debt reduction plan that not only placed our nation on a path towards fiscal sustainability, but also set the foundation for economic growth. Congress still has an opportunity to do this. However, the American people deserve a responsive government that is fully accountable. Most Americans would agree that because of the magnitude of the decisions this Committee has been tasked with, proceedings should be transparent and open to the public," said Senator Heller.

Buchanan introduced legislation in the House, H.R. 2796 to ensure the Super Committee will operate in public. Senator Heller introduced similar legislation, the Budget Control Joint Committee Transparency Act (S.1501), in the Senate.

Buchanan also authored the "Sunshine Resolution" in 2009 to open health care talks to the public.

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