"Read the Bill" Movement Gains Momentum, but Sources of Enlightenment Abound

Strategic Insights -

A growing movement to make the entire health care reform bill available to the public at least 72 hours before a vote has gained traction in town hall meetings and online. The idea's appeal lies in the long history of rushed bills in Congress, but legislative language is notoriously murky, and even reading the entire bill may not provide a clear understanding of the plan's workings. Fortunately, various sources offer enlightenment, including committee reports, non-partisan Congressional Research Service analyses, and internal committee analyses.

Key Takeaways:

  • The House health care reform bill contains 1,017 pages of complex language, making it difficult for even members of Congress and Americans to understand its implications.
  • Committee reports, generally written in plain English, can provide a clearer understanding of the bill's contents, but may be biased towards the committee majority's perspective.
  • The non-partisan Congressional Research Service produces neutral, brief summaries of bills, as well as more detailed internal analyses for Congress, often available online.
  • Members of Congress should engage in additional research by talking to committee staff, veteran colleagues, and outside experts to grasp the legalese's true intentions.
  • Shame at home: thousands of poor people in the United States have gone without medical and dental care, highlighting the need for a comprehensive health insurance overhaul.

Statistics:

  • 1,017 pages: the length of the House health care reform bill, making it daunting to understand.
  • Thousands: the number of people lining up for free medical and dental care at a RAM (Remote Area Medical) clinic in Los Angeles.
  • 1985: the year RAM was formed, initially to serve remote Indian tribes in South America, but now operating in the United States for years.
  • 72 hours: the proposed minimum time the public should have to access the entire health care reform bill before a vote.

Sources:

  • "Read the bill" movement gains traction at town hall meetings and online.
  • Congressional bill (no specific date).
  • Committee reports.
  • Congressional Research Service analyses (no specific date).
  • Remote Area Medical (RAM) operations in Los Angeles.
  • Southwestern Virginia.
  • Los Angeles County.