[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 66 (Tuesday, May 24, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 24, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                       REAL CONGRESSIONAL REFORM

                                 ______


                            HON. ROB PORTMAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 24, 1994

  Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am introducing legislation today that 
seeks to address the dramatic increase this body has experienced in 
restrictive rules governing floor consideration of legislation.
  In the 95th Congress (1977-78), 85 percent of the bills that we 
brought to the House floor were considered under an open rule. This 
provided Members of Congress the opportunity to offer amendments to 
these bills before final passage and permitted full and fair debate on 
the issues.
  With each and every Congress since then, however, we have witnessed a 
consistent decline in the number and proportion of bills considered 
under an open rule. The 102d Congress (1991-1992) saw the percentage of 
open rules drop to 34. Even more disturbing is that through May 12, 
1994, this Congress has seen only 22 percent of the bills considered 
under an open rule. Therefore, 78 percent of the time, our ability to 
fully debate and consider amendments is restricted.
  The resolution I am offering today amends the House rules to provide 
that a two-thirds majority, rather than the current simple majority, 
would be required to approve a rule that is restrictive. Thus, Members 
will be better able to offer germane amendments to legislation rather 
than being unfairly silenced through a restrictive rule. This will 
reintroduce some fairness into the process.
  It is time Members have greater access to the legislative process. It 
is time for important matters of national concern to be fully and 
openly aired on the floor of the House. It is time that we bring an end 
to the restrictions placed on the offering of amendments. Please join 
me in this effort.

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