News & Press
Statement by Martha Roby Regarding a Full and Open Review of Any Legislation Before a Vote(MONTGOMERY, AL) – Martha Roby, Republican candidate for the 2nd Congressional District, released the following statement in response to the filing of a discharge petition yesterday in the U.S. House of Representatives calling for a vote on H. Res. 554, which would require the U.S. House to allow 72 hours to pass before a vote may be held on any bill:“Yesterday, Rep. Walden filed a discharge petition in the U.S. House to allow for an open debate and an up or down vote by members of the House on H. Res. 554, which would amend the rules of the House to require that no bill could be considered in the House until 72 hours had passed after filing the legislation.” “As I’ve traveled and talked with voters in the 2nd District, one of the things I keep hearing is that Congress does not know what it is voting on and constituents are not given an opportunity to review a bill and voice support or opposition to their Congressman. The American people are so cynical of Congress because all too often Washington quickly passes legislation without fully understanding the consequences the bill may have on families, businesses and communities.” “I applaud Rep. Walden for his efforts to bring a more open and thorough review for legislation that will be considered in the House and strongly support his efforts. The House should not pass legislation in the dark of the night without giving members and constituents back home an opportunity to carefully examine the legislation and determine if the bill should be passed or not.” “I would without hesitation sign my name to this discharge petition because it allows a more open and transparent Congress and I call on Rep. Bright to immediately join Rep. Walden and the other 171 members in signing this discharge petition.” The discharge petition is a House rule which allows for consideration of a bill or resolution that is being blocked or held up by House leadership. Once signed by 218 members, a simple majority of the House, the bill comes to the House floor for debate and a vote. Discharge petition number six would move to discharge from the House Committee on Rules H. Res. 554, a resolution amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that legislation and conference reports be available on the Internet for 72 hours before consideration by the House. H. Res. 554 was referred to the Rules committee on June 17, 2009, and has 110 co-sponsors. Currently, there are 172 members who have signed the discharge petition and Congressman Bright is not one of them. |
