Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) today announced his support for a measure requiring Congress to make the final health care reform bill publicly available online 72 hours in advance of a House vote.

“This unprecedented measure will set a new standard for transparency now and in the future as Congress considers legislation similar to the scale of health care reform,” said Congressman Cuellar. “Americans want to see the final bill before we vote.”

Last week, Congressman Cuellar co-sponsored H. Res. 554 which requires that all non-emergency legislation and conference reports be made available to the general public via the internet for 72 hours before being voted on by the House. Cuellar supports reforming the health care system to ensure the uninsured and insured have access to quality, affordable health care.

Since July, the current House proposed version of health care reform, H.R. 3200 America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009, has been available to the public online at the website of the Legislative Information System of the U.S. Congress, www.congress.gov.
Recently, the Speaker of the House indicated that she will allow 72 hours for review before any final version of health care reform is voted on by the House. 

“Millions of Americans are watching and waiting and have a right to know what health care reform can do for them,” said Congressman Cuellar. “As Congress proceeds on health care reform, this measure will help inform Americans through the final hour.”  

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Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Government Oversight & Reform Committees in the 111th Congress. Accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development, and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.