We live in an Era when our congressmen scoff at the idea that they would read the bills that they vote on. Now, the want to make certain that the public isn't given the chance to read the health care bill before it is voted on either.
Officially wiping out any delusions of "transparency", the Democrats on the Finance committee voted down a GOP amendment which would have required a health overhaul bill to be available online for 72 hours before the committee votes. Democrats argued that the amendment would have delayed the bill's passage for weeks.
What's the rush? This bill will fundamentally change our country and cost the taxpayers at least a trillion dollars. Shouldn't we take a couple extra weeks if it means getting it right, or least as close to right as possible given the circumstances? The idea that transparency "takes to long" is ludicrous. Haven't we learned anything from the Stimulus Bill debacle?
H/T Memeorandum
UPDATE:
Pundette writes:
It's hard to respect our elected representatives when they make it so clear that they have no respect for us. By adopting a Baucus amendment, the Senate Finance Committee ensures that the CBO will not be able to make an accurate cost analysis of the Baucus bill and Americans may not be able to read or analyze the bill's details, as they have done with HR 3200.
I suspect that the last thing the average congressman wants his constituents to know is how their money is being spent.
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