A positive step toward transparency in the U.S. Congress



It can’t be said enough: Transparency improves the quality of government.

Elected officials are simply more accountable when decisions are made in full public view and when spending is done in the open.

Unfortunately, however, elected officials sometimes act as if the “peoples’ business” is, well, nobody’s business. Too often, decisions are made behind closed doors, or made in such a hasty manner that few citizens understand the details before it is voted on.

So it was encouraging to learn recently that a reform-minded group of U.S. Senators, including South Carolina’s own Jim DeMint, are trying to change that. The group has proposed a measure to require a 72-hour “waiting period” between the time a piece of legislation in the Senate is finalized and the time Congress votes on it. During this period, the text of the legislation would be posted on the Internet so citizens can read it.

This would serve two purposes:

First, it would advance the cause of government transparency by letting people see what is in a bill before it is voted on. This would allow citizens to voice concerns, ask questions or express approval or disapproval to their representatives ahead of time -- rather than waiting until after the bill becomes law to learn all the details.

Second, and equally important, it would give federal lawmakers time to actually read the bills before they vote on them. (Recently, during the healthcare reform debate, at least one member of Congress ridiculed the notion that they should read and understand the details of the legislation they pass. I would offer that it is a fundamental duty of our elected representatives to not only read legislation, but to allow their constituents time to offer input.)

By promoting openness and accountability, this measure could go a long way toward restoring the trust that many have lost in government. This is especially important at a time when Congress is debating legislation which will have a tremendous impact on our daily lives -- from the quality and cost of healthcare to the ever-increasing national deficit.

“Transparency” has become a political buzz-word. These days, politicians toss the word around like confetti during a parade. This is a chance to match their words with action. Elected representatives who truly vote in their constituents’ best interest should welcome this change.

We’d all do well to contact our elected representatives, not just in the U.S. Senate but the U.S. House as well, and urge them to support a 72-hour waiting period for legislation.