We will ensure that bills are debated and discussed in the public square by publishing the text online for at least three days before coming up for a vote in the House of Representatives. No more hiding legislative language from the minority party, opponents, and the public. Legislation should be understood by all interested parties before it is voted on.
 This promise was fulfilled on January 5, 2011.All legislative text must be posted online for 3 days prior to voting. Visit rules.house.gov for current legislation being considered by the House. 
For too long, Congress has ignored the proper limits imposed by the Constitution on the federal government. Further, it has too often drafted unclear and muddled laws, leaving to an unelected judiciary the power to interpret what the law means and by what authority the law stands. This lack of respect for the clear Constitutional limits and authorities has allowed Congress to create ineffective and costly programs that add to the massive deficit year after year. We will require each bill moving through Congress to include a clause citing the specific constitutional authority upon which the bill is justified. This promise was fulfilled through requirements added to the Rules of the House of Representatives, adopted on January 5, 2011.Resolution Adopting Rules for the 112th Congress [PDF]
Make It Easier to Cut Spending
By forbidding amendments on spending bills, Democrats denied lawmakers the opportunity to tighten Washington's belt and slash wasteful and duplicative programs. Structure dictates behavior, so we will let any lawmaker — Democrat or Republican — offer amendments to reduce spending. This promise continues to be fulfilled every week on the House floor.Visit majorityleader.gov/YouCut to vote on the latest spending cut proposals.
$100 billion was Cut from the Federal Budget Under an Open Rule
H.R. 1, the Continuing Appropriations Act for 2011, was considered under an "open rule," giving lawmakers on both sides of the aisle the opportunity to offer amendments. As pointed out in the Pledge, "not a single spending bill was considered under an 'open' amendment process" when Democrats controlled the House. Summary of 583 Amendments Offered • Federal Program Terminations & Savings [PDF]
Advance Legislative Issues One at a Time
We will end the practice of packaging unpopular bills with "must-pass" legislation to circumvent the will of the American people. Instead, we will advance major legislation one issue at a time. |
 
Get the latest status of promises made in "A Pledge to America" sent directly to your inbox.
|
