Letter: Tell Congress to let us read the bills first

To Do Item: CORVALLIS GAZETTE-TIMES/LETTERS, 10/21/2009 by Jean Nelson - Thanks, G-T, for putting the shocking story "2009 federal deficit surges to $1.42 trillion" (Oct. 17) on your front page. Today, each person's share of the national debt is more than $4,700. ∴ Our nation's debt tripled during the 2009 fiscal year, which ended in September. 2008's shortfall was a scandalous $459 billion. 2009's $1.42 trillion more than triples our national debt. ∴ Congress must make hard decisions, say economists. Either cut spending or raise taxes, or we'll be in another economic crisis. ∴ Since Congress isn't famous for restraint and votes on bills they haven't read, We, the People must insist on our right to know so we can act.

In a bipartisan effort, Reps. Greg Walden, R-Ore., and Brian Baird, D-Wash., would give the public, press and members of Congress at least 72 hours to read and understand a bill before it could be voted on. ∴ House Resolution 554, the 72 Hour Internet Notice Bill, would require posting all nonemergency legislation so the world can see the exact details of a bill before it is brought to a vote in the U.S. House. ∴ Amazingly, there is resistance to this bill. One hundred and eighty-two House members have signed Walden's Discharge Petition. 218 signatures are needed.

OK. Let's get to work. Tell Congress to be more transparent. Call the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask Representatives DeFazio, Wu, Shrader and Blumenauer to sign on to HR 554. Inform others through letters to the editor, the Internet and talk radio. Make government accountable.

Jean Nelson, Corvallis
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