Iowa Congressman

health care pledge

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Washington, Aug 5, 2009 - By Iowa Congressman Tom Latham
Iowa's 4th Congressional District

I signed a pledge last week declaring that I will not vote to enact any health care legislation that I haven’t read in its entirety and has not been available to the public for at least 72 hours.

If you visit http://www.letfreedomringusa.com/pledge-to-read you can take a look at the pledge and find out which other members of Congress have signed on.

I’m also co-sponsoring a resolution that would require the House to wait 72 hours from the time a bill or amendment is introduced before beginning debate.  The resolution also requires that a document be made available to the public outlining the impact any proposed legislation would have on existing law 72 hours ahead of a debate on final passage.  The resolution applies to all significant amendments to legislation in addition to original bills.

In my eyes, it’s simply common sense to give the American people the time they need to analyze proposed legislation.  Health care has a direct impact on everyone in America, and Congress would be doing our country a grave disservice by rushing a vote on a proposal without giving the public an opportunity to offer input to their elected officials.  To do so would be irresponsible and undemocratic.