House bills voted on before being fully read

Twice this year, the House of Representatives voted on important bills pushed by House leadership without sufficient opportunity for members to know what is in the bill.

First, the stimulus package had thousands of pet projects, most of which get no money until FY 2010. Not very stimulating in FY 2009.

The second bill, known as cap and trade, creates a federal requirement for an inspection of septic systems. Either our representatives did not know of this requirement because they had not read the bill, or they did know about it and voted for it against the best interests of their constituents. Neither is acceptable.

I suggest Rep. David Loebsack vote in the best interest of his constituents rather than in the best interest of the House leadership, and to insist that he be given enough time to read the bill.

Our president once promised that all bills would be posted to the Internet at least five days before the vote so we could see them. Our representatives deserve that, too.

Tom Vavra

Ely