Congressman Dave Reichert

Washington, DC, Jan 13 - Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08) today issued the following statement calling for immediate consideration of legislation that would provide public access to health care negotiations:

“We must never forget that first and foremost, this issue is about people,” Reichert said. “It’s about their health and their well being. This health care overhaul proposal, which will have such a profound affect on Americans and our economy, should be discussed, debated, and negotiated in the light of day – not brokered behind closed doors.

“Transparency is the key to a healthy, thriving democracy. That’s why I have authored legislation requiring transparency in the committee voting process, and it’s why I’m proud to co-sponsor Rep. Vern Buchanan’s resolution to bring openness to these negotiations. We must never lose sight of the fact that we represent the American people, and they deserve to know what’s being discussed and how it will affect them. I will never stop fighting for an open legislative process, or for a sensible approach to addressing health care reform.”

Background
Reichert is a co-sponsor of Rep. Buchanan’s (R-FL) “Sunshine Resolution,” H.Res. 847, which would require public access to negotiations on the Democrats’ health care takeover bill being crafted behind closed doors. Currently, 151 bipartisan Members have cosponsored H.Res. 847.  When this petition reaches 218 signatures, Democrats must open negotiations to the public. Reichert, a long-time advocate for a transparent legislative process, recently introduced legislation, H.R. 874, a bill that would require each of the 21 standing Committees in the U.S. House of Representatives to post record votes on their websites within 48 hours.

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