Manzullo signs petition for open health care talks

From press release

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo (R-16) joined many of his colleagues in signing H.R. 847, which would require Congressional Democrat leaders and the administration to negotiate the health care bill in a public forum open to the media.

So far, 151 members of Congress have signed the petition. Once that number reaches 218, Democrat leaders would have to open the talks to the public.

Since the House and Senate approved different versions of the bill in November and December, Democrat leaders from the House, Senate and Barack Obama administration have been working behind closed doors trying to work out a compromise version of the bill to present to the president for his signature.

On the campaign trail last year, then-Sen. Barack Obama pledged that health care reform negotiations would be broadcast on C-SPAN so the “American people will know what’s going on.” Dec. 30, C-SPAN called on congressional leaders to carry out President Obama’s “C-SPAN pledge” and allow coverage of the health care talks. Two weeks later, the talks are still behind closed doors.

Manzullo stated: “In all my years in Congress, I have never seen an issue that has invoked as many constituent calls and as much emotion as this health care issue. It has the potential to affect every American, and dramatically change the way health care services are paid for and delivered in our country. With this much at stake, Democrat leaders should honor the president’s campaign pledge and allow C-SPAN coverage of the negotiations so all Americans can see what could affect them for the rest of their lives.”