WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congressman Alex X. Mooney introduced the Readable Legislation Act. This legislation would allow the public and Members of Congress to accurately understand legislation introduced in Congress.
“Readable legislation is a common practice in State legislatures across the country and promotes transparency,” said Rep. Alex X. Mooney. “It is nearly impossible for the public to understand striking or amending sections of the Federal Code. My goal is to make sure my constituents can easily access and understand what Congress is working on.”
“The text of bills introduced in Congress often includes confusing references to federal law and U.S. Code that make them difficult to understand,” said Congressman John Rutherford (FL-04). “The Readable Legislation Act requires every bill that amends current law to show all changes in full, rather than use technical language to refer to omissions and insertions. This small change would help members of Congress and their constituents more easily read and understand the purpose of each bill and the effect it would have on the public.”
“The American people deserve a government which is transparent and accessible,” said Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03). “The Readable Legislation Act will move Congress further in that direction by making it easier for citizens to understand how proposed legislation would amend existing law. This commonsense reform gives the average person a greater insight into the work of Congress and thus better enables them to petition their government for change.”
This legislation would prevent any current law from being revised or amended by mere reference to it. Every bill or joint resolution which amends an existing section of current law will be required to include the entire section being changed, showing the omissions and insertions proposed.
The Readable Legislation Act will lead to a better understanding of the proposals being considered in Congress and how our taxpayer dollars are spent.