Federal transparency bill moves step closer to floor vote

Earlier this year Washington Congressman Brian Baird (D) introduced a resolution calling for a 72-hour review period on legislation before a vote could be taken. Baird's House Resolution 554 is co-sponsored by Rep. John Culberson of Texas (R). Since House leadership has not scheduled the bill for a vote, Baird has joined with other Representatives to try to force floor action on the transparency proposal. According to The Hill: "Democratic Rep. Brian Baird (Wash) has signed on to a discharge petition intended to force a floor vote on transparency legislation backed by Republicans. If the petition wins 218 signatures, it would pave the way for a vote on legislation that would change House rules to require that bills are posted online for 72 hours before the House votes on them. It is rare for a lawmaker to sign on to a discharge petition intended to force the leaders of his party to hold a floor vote. It is also considered to be a slap in the face of leaders . . . READ MORE