http://www.downsizedc.org/blog/introducing-the-new-read-the-bills-act

May 20, 2011
Introducing the NEW “Read the Bills Act”
Posted by Jim Babka

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Quote of the Day: “A constitution is not the act of a government, but of a people constituting a government; and government without a constitution is power without a right. All power exercised over a nation, must have some beginning. It must be either delegated, or assumed. There are not other sources. All delegated power is trust, and all assumed power is usurpation. Time does not alter the nature and quality of either.” — Thomas Paine (1737-1809)

A few months ago we announced pledges from two members of the House, and one Senator, Rand Paul, to introduce our Downsize DC Agenda bills — “Read the Bills,” “Write the Laws,” and “One Subject at a Time.”

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We’ll be showing you the results of this work in stages, starting today, with the NEW “Read the Bills Act” (RTBA). The new RTBA . . .

* Lists the Constitutional provisions that authorize it, in compliance with the Enumerated Powers rule

* Has improved findings — these are the statements of fact that justify the legislation

* Places one new restriction on Congress — forcing them to give the public advance notice of when a vote is scheduled, which will thwart legislation by surprise, and further protect the public’s opportunity to read each bill

* Improves the ability of citizens to defend themselves against “laws” passed in violation of RTBA

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https://secure.downsizedc.org/files/rtba-2011.pdf

Let’s hold the congresscritters’ feet to the fire.

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