Read the Bill Act

[Salty]

Downsize DC has proposed a bill entitled "Read The Bill Act" This act would require a bill to be posted for 72 hours.

Generally, I like the bill, but there should be provisions for emergencies. For example, in the even of war, act of God or some other emergency, a bill should be permitted to pass with - say 70% of each Chamber.


Thoughts?

 

[abcgrad94]

It sounds better than "We must pass this bill in order to know what's in it."

 

[Oldtimer]

It sounds better than "We must pass this bill in order to know what's in it."

How about reading the bill aloud in both the House and Senate before a vote can be taken? Along with a provision that after x there will be a pause for questions or clarifications before proceeding to the next section.

In an emergency bills would be limited to a single point to be addressed. Contents of the bill limited to less than one hour to read. No add-ins, tack-ons, no-nothing, except the point that needs to be made. Within 12 hours, 12 bills could be presented and vote taken, if 12 different topics have to be addressed for handle xyz emergency. Other than declaration of war or emergency funding, I can't think of anything that probably isn't already on the books, regarding emergency situations. At least enough already exists to begin response. Thus allowing time to bring "single point" bills to the floor.

 

[Aaron]

Downsize DC has proposed a bill entitled "Read The Bill Act" This act would require a bill to be posted for 72 hours.

Generally, I like the bill, but there should be provisions for emergencies. For example, in the even of war, act of God or some other emergency, a bill should be permitted to pass with - say 70% of each Chamber.


Thoughts?

Too little too late.

 

[saturneptune]

Nothing is ever too little, too late. There is always an opportunity to turn things around for the better.

 

[just-want-peace]

I would add that any, ANY, new law have a sunset clause automatically built in, say 3 years. At the end of the 3 years the law would have to be subject to strong scrutiny before it could be continued?
A few other points, but this would get rid of a lot of stupid garbage AND correct a lot more.