There Ought To Be A Law

Over the past few months, there have been several news reports claiming that legislation often goes unread prior to being voted on, that the legislation is sometimes altered secretly just prior to a vote, or that the legislation is altered after the legislation has passed both the House and Senate but before reaching the desk of the President. Whether or not these are actually true is anyone’s guess.

Our representatives, our elected officials, are paid to represent us to the best of their ability and to make very difficult decisions regarding what is in the best interest of their constituents and our country. They have no easy task. And, anyone willing to take on such a task is to be appreciated.

We, the public, have a responsibility also, an important right to share with our representatives our ideas, our opinions, and, at times, our personal stories. Many times, it is the public who initiates changes in legislation, such as greater pool safety or equal pay for women, through the sharing of these thoughts and experiences.

Before the government officials on every level, however, is the unenviable task of preparing and arguing for or against legislation written in great detail and in great length. The documents usually lay out the details of how the legislation will work if it becomes law, the money that will be spent on various components, the time frame in which the new law shall begin, and any penalties for potential violations. Throughout the process, the bill is reworked and rewritten and reconsidered, all in an attempt to improve and gain more support for the bill.

With all of the work, the debating, and the incredible amount of detail that is put into a bill, it seems unconscionable that anyone would be allowed to alter the bill just before or after a vote and particularly after passing the House and Senate but before reaching the President. Under this practice, how could any representative ever know what it is that they are actually voting on?

Legislation is of vital importance; it is part of the foundation of our country. It seems only common sense and safe practice that our representatives should read everything that they vote on prior to the vote and that any alterations to a bill should only be allowed to occur until a specific deadline. Perhaps these principles need to be in a piece of legislation because there really ought to be a law…