SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS — “72 Online” resolution
H. Res. 688, introduced Feb. 16, 2006
Sponsor: Rep. Brian Baird (D-WA)

TITLE
“To require that legislation and conference reports be available on the Internet for 72 hours before consideration by the House, and for other purposes.“

In mid-January 2006, Hugh Hewitt put the 72 hours online question to the three candidates for House Majority Leader. The question was prompted by blogger Mark Tapscott of the Heritage Foundation. Also, the question was discussed by the candidates on conference calls with bloggers as compiled at the Truth Laid Bear.

House Democrats introduced two major lobbying and congressional reform packages on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, 2006. Each contains identical language on making bills available to members for 24 hours, or three days if a bill contains earmarks. While the bills embody other worthy reforms, ReadtheBill.org believes that the identical text on making bills available is too weak. Most importantly, neither bill requires posting bills online.

This letter urges a full debate reforms, including formalizing the duration of time … legislation is available for review before floor action is taken. The position in this letter is too weak, but indicates that there is interest among House Republicans in the general issue.)