VERY URGENT: Congress Rushing 'Deal'

 August 1, 2011

VERY URGENT: Congress Rushing 'Deal'

Posted by Jim Babka

Quote of the Day: "But we have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it..." - Former Speaker, now Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi



Nancy said it. Republicans have mocked her endlessly for it. Some of them have even said, "We need to read our bills."



A few of those even pledged to sponsor our Read the Bills Act. But they've been "too busy" to make progress with us.



Instead, the Republican leadership plans to do some really bad things -- in a big damn hurry. If Mitch McConnell, John Boehner, and company have their way, we'll have to wait till the bill is passed to see what's in it.



When it comes to legislation, "Speed kills."



WE NEED MORE TIME TO REVIEW THIS DEAL AND ALL ITS IMPLICATIONS.



And you should demand more time.



Because of the urgency, you need to call.

AND

So that your numbers are counted, and your arguments considered, you must write.



For the writing part, I went to DownsizeDC.org's "Cap the Debt" campaign.



I've sent letters to my reps using this campaign in recent weeks. But the issues at stake have changed, and my representatives need to hear from me now, more than ever. The hard-wired letter begins, "Do NOT raise the debt ceiling." Here are the personal comments I added...



Instead, please introduce DownsizeDC.org's "Read the Bills Act." You can find the legislative text here: http://www.downsizedc.org/rtba-legislation



John Boehner and the Republicans promised, in their 2010 campaign document, "Pledge to America," that they would allow the public sufficient time to read bills before lawmakers voted on them. "We will give all representatives and citizens at least three days to read the bill before a vote," the pledge said.



It is wrong to rush passage this so-called "deal" until there's been time for you to...



* comprehend its details

* receive feedback from your constituents and counselors on how it works

* engage in debate and amend where necessary



It is nearly impossible to do all of that in a mere three days. But we're not even going to get that. The promise will be broken. Typical.



Clearly, Congress needs a law, not an easily dismissible rule, which requires them to provide that kind of time -- seven days would be better. The Read the Bills Act requires it. And it deserves your support, if you really want to "change the culture in Washington."



I'm watching closely. I care deeply about the debt ceiling vote, and I expect you to oppose this plan. And then, I'll be looking for news that you've introduced the Read the Bills Act, without watering it down. I'll know then you really mean your rhetoric, unlike the Republican leadership.



END LETTER -- And BEFORE I hit SEND, I wrote down the phone numbers of my Rep and two Senators that are provided there.



You can use what I wrote, or write your own personal letter using the Educate the Powerful System.



Then, I called. And this is what I said...



Vote NO on the debt ceiling deal, if for no other reason than that legislation should be read and debated IN DETAIL before it gets a vote.



Then, I "tweeted" my "phone script," and I encourage you to do the same!