WASHINGTON. D.C. – House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member Darrell Issa (R-CA) issued the following statement tonight after the Democrat Majority decided to shut down the open amendment process following debate on the first Republican Amendment:

“Once again, Speaker Pelosi and congressional Democrats have employed a ‘take it or leave it approach’ rather than allow an open and transparent process while considering a $64.4 billion spending measure.  These backroom tactics come at the expense of the best interests of the American people and completely contradicts the Speaker’s pledge to an ‘honest and open government.’”

“Every person in America has a right to have his or her voice heard.  No Member of Congress should be silenced on the Floor”

“Bills should generally come to the Floor under a procedure that allows open, full, and fair debate consisting of a full amendment process that grants the Minority the right to offer its alternatives.”

--Speaker Pelosi, New Direction for America