A Read-the-Bill Rule for Congress

Abstract:     
In this Article, I argue that legislators have a duty to read the text of proposed legislation before voting to enact it. A Read the Bill political movement has formed in response to recent high-profile instances of rushed legislation. Putting aside partisan concerns, a rushed legislative process creates real problems because it forces legislators to vote on bills without having the time to properly evaluate the new legal rules that are being imposed on citizens. If a rule or norm of reading the bill can slow the legislative process enough to provide for thorough consideration of proposed legislation, it would bring a substantial benefit in the form of better laws. The rule would also draw the attention of legislators to their primary, fundamental role of making good law.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 43

Keywords: Legislation, Congress, Legislative Process, Read the Bill

Accepted Paper Series