Cliff Stearns: “Mr. Speaker, this is yet another move to push the President's legislation through without full and open debate. Why is…”

“Mr. Speaker, this is yet another move to push the President's legislation through without full and open debate. Why is the normal legislative process being undermined in this instance? We have been told that due to time constraints we will not adhere to the normal legislative process. However, the magnitude of this legislation demands that it go through the entire legislative process that is, subcommittees and then full committees prior to being considered on the House floor. It is imperative that all members participate in the process as we move ahead. It is incumbent upon the leadership, including the chairmen of the various committees involved, that this occurs. I have advised the Energy and Commerce Committee about my desire to see a full legislative review of this issue. I reiterate here again today that the need still exists. There is nothing to fear from full debate and participation on health care, only a better bill for all Americans can result.”