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Rep. Buchanan Forces Vote on Open Health Care Reform Negotiations

 


In 2008, Obama stated that the health care debate would be open and televised:



 But here’s the difference: I’m going to do it all on C-SPAN so that the American people will know what’s going on.


 Despite Obama’s promise, the health care debate has continued behind closed doors. U.S Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) plans to hold Obama to his word. His sponsored resolution, the “Sunshine Resolution” would demand that the health care bill negotiations be open and



 …under the watchful eye of the American people.


Today, Buchanan declared that he would file a discharge petition that would require that the House vote on his resolution. Buchanan explained the necessity of the “Sunshine Resolution”:



In Florida we have one of the strongest right-to-know laws aimed at ensuring that government leaders conduct the people’s business in public. No private meeting, no backroom deals, no secrecy. It’s time to shine some Florida Sunshine on the Halls of Congress.


According to House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) the “Sunshine Resolution” is needed to ensure that Congress is accountable and open to the American people:



 We’re taking this step because something as important as the Democrats’ health care bill, with its Medicare cuts and tax hikes, should not be slapped together behind closed doors.  Secret deliberations are a breeding ground for mischief, including sweetheart deals that end up not being discovered until it’s too late.


If a majority of the House sign Buchanan’s discharge petition then the “Sunshine Resolution” will be voted on regardless of any objections. Health care reform legislation will likely be a radical change to Americans’ health care. For the sake of the American people, it is imperative that these negotiations occur in public with no backroom deals. 


 

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