Isakson Pushes Bill to Increase Legislative Transparency

Insists on Public Access to Text, Cost of Bills in Advance

Oct 26, 2009

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator and Senate candidate Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today announced that he is co-sponsoring legislation that would make the text and cost of all legislation publicly available on the Internet at least 72 hours before senators debate or vote on the proposals.

S.1772 would change the rules of the Senate to require that the text of all legislative matters be posted on the Internet 72 hours in advance of being debated or voted on by the full Senate or by any subcommittee or committee of the Senate. In addition, S.1772 requires that the cost of legislation be available 72 hours in advance in the form of a full score by the Congressional Budget Office.

“We must take the time to establish transparency in the legislative process,” Isakson said. “This legislation will help ensure that members of Congress as well as the general public have the opportunity to thoroughly review legislation before it is considered as well as find out what it will cost American taxpayers.”

Isakson is one of 27 senators pushing for the Senate rule change.