RYAN PROMISES REFORM IN THE HOUSE

The New Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan, promised reforms would be made in the way the House of Representatives does business.

 

In his speech after being sworn in as speaker, he promised that the house would return to regular order, which means legislation would originate through the committee process and be subject to amendments. This would allow much more input by the whole body into the drafting of legislation.

 

In the past the Speaker and his staff would draft legislation, sometimes with the help of the President and the Senate, then attempt to sell it to the members of the house for approval. The house members would sometimes not see this legislation till a very short time before the vote.  This is obviously not in the interest of the people or the individual representatives. 

 

While not all House members agree with Mr. Ryan on some issues, this will not matter if the Speaker puts out the new rules and stays with them. Let the House put forth legislation from the bottom up, vote on it and pass it on to the Senate. Then let it pass or fail on its merits. They have then done their duty to the people they represent.

 

Paul Ryan appears to be an honest man who has the respect of the majority of the house members. While there are many reforms needed in Washington, His proposals are a step in the right direction.   If he can show that he is consistent and open in his Speakership , he may be able to gain the trust of the House members and enhance the House image with the American people.