[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 109 (Tuesday, August 9, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 9, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
         HEALTH CARE BILL WRITTEN IN SECRET, STILL UNAVAILABLE

  (Mr. McKEON asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Republican freshman 
class, I, like my colleagues, was elected by the people of my district 
on the platform that Congress must change the way this institution 
operates. Unfortunately, the approach to reforming healthcare, under 
the House leadership, reflects the same old way of doing business.
  We have now been told by the House leadership that next week the 
House of Representatives will debate and vote on healthcare 
legislation. Yet, the only bill guaranteed a vote next week is being 
crafted behind closed doors, and at this time, is not available for 
review by Members of Congress nor the American people.
  It is imperative that as a legislative body the House of 
Representatives has the opportunity to study any healthcare bill before 
voting on it. Additionally, Members should have the chance to return to 
their districts to discuss and receive input from the very people that 
will be affected by these reforms.
  This is what our Founding Fathers envisioned when writing the 
Constitution, an open forum that allows the American people to 
participate in the legislative process. Mr. Speaker, that is democracy.

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