Lawmakers need more time to read bills

Sen. Rand Paul has introduced S.Res. 100, a resolution to change Senate rules to provide sufficient time for legislation to be read before being considered by the U.S. Senate. The waiting period point of order-except during a time of urgent national security-would require all bills, amendments, and conference reports to be filed for one day for every 20 pages before it can be considered. Bill text can be found below.

“I will continue to stand by my pledge to increase transparency and accessibility in the U.S. Senate,” Sen. Paul said. “Too often in Congress, legislation is shoved through without hearings, amendments or debate. This bill would ensure that Congressional members are provided ample time to read all legislation before requiring a vote. If we are to answer to the American people, it is imperative we pay close attention to the legislation we pass.”

RESOLUTION TEXT:

To provide sufficient time for legislation to be read.

Resolved, That

(a) it shall not be in order for the Senate to consider any bill, resolution, message, conference report, amendment between the Houses, amendment, treaty, or any other measure or matter until 1 session day has passed since introduction for every 20 pages included in the measure or matter in the usual form plus 1 session day for any number of remaining pages less than 20 in the usual form.

(b)(1) Any Senator may raise a point of order that consideration of any bill, resolution, message, conference report, amendment, treaty, or any other measure or matter is not in order under subsection (a). No motion to table the point of order shall be in order.

(2) Paragraph (1) may be waived or suspended only by an affirmative vote of three-fifths of the Members, duly chosen and sworn. All motions to waive under this paragraph shall be debatable collectively for not to exceed 3 hours equally divided between the Senator raising the point for order and the Senator moving to waive the point of order or their designees. A motion to waive the point of order shall not be amendable.

(3) This resolution is enacted pursuant to the power granted to each House of Congress to determine the Rules of its Proceedings in clause 2 of section 5 of article I of the Constitution of the United States.

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Published: March 19, 2015 - Volume 13 - Issue 49