Bunning’s push for transparency hits snag
U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning, R-Southgate
Sen. Jim Bunning’s push for greater transparency in the health care overhaul legislation hit a roadblock Thursday afternoon after Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., argued that the Kentucky Republican’s amendment as submitted was out of order.
Bunning was trying to amend the Fiscal Year 2010 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations bill to change Senate rules to require that all bills be made available for 72 hours with legislative text and an official score from the Congressional Budget Office prior to being considered by the Senate or in any of its committees.
Bunning introduced the measure Wednesday, calling for a Senate rule change.
“It is outrageous that the Democrats would use procedural tactics to block full consideration of this simple rule change,” Bunning said. “This is a slap in the face to the millions of Americans who have been clamoring for more transparency in Congress.
“The American people have a right to know what is in the bills we are considering in the Senate and my amendment would have afforded them that opportunity. Unfortunately, it appears the Democrats are intent on keeping the American people in the dark. Be assured that I will bring this issue up again. This rule change is basic common sense and it deserves to get fair and full consideration by the Senate.”
- Halimah Abdullah
Filed Under: Federal Government • Jim Bunning • Republican Party
About the Author: John Stamper is the accountability editor for the Lexington Herald-Leader. A native of Monticello, Ky., he has been with the Herald-Leader in a variety of roles since graduating from Western Kentucky University in 2000. Reach him at jstamper@herald-leader.com
Two misfits represent Kentucky in Congress. My Gosh we need a total change!!!
One sleeps and doesn’t still know how to get bills submitted and the other attempts to bully his way through everything and loves big businesses money…
AUGH!!! No wonder Kentucky is ranked so low on EVERYTHING!!!
[...] Jim Bunning’s transparency resolution appears to have hit a bump in the road today, when a Democratic senator suggested it is out of order. Bunning issued the following [...]
It is surprising to even see the words \\\”Bunning\\\” and \\\”transparency\\\” in the same sentence. What nerve this old man has. We have got to replace both Bunning and McConnell. I think their true loyalties are becoming more and more clear to Kentuckians who really never paid much attention until this year.
Greed surrounds our vital issues of the day… We use to think we had representative government. The only time in the past two decades this has changed is the election of Barack Obama.It is amazing to see him continue to fight for health care for all citizens. As paid propagandist try to convince everyone this man is evil and he is out to socialize everything. Today we have elected officials, who have premium health care. while they spend most of their time on the phone raising money and trust me on this fact, money does buy access and access get votes. Is there a way to change this yes, bring back God into our lives and invite him back into our government, schools, homes and churches and start with our own hearts. Today look into the mirror humble ourselves and seek His face in all our ways and He will return to our lives and nation. What would Jesus do?
John Stephenson Former Superintendent of Public Instruction Kentucky http://www.Godspeaks.com http://www.jstephenson.com