NAN A. S. HAYWORTH: “I think it is important; and certainly my colleague would join with me in agreeing that the first step to sound public…”

“I think it is important; and certainly my colleague would join with me in agreeing that the first step to sound public policy is an open, honest debate as we hold here on the floor. It should not be reserved solely for this Chamber or this Committee of the Whole House. Instead, it should also extend, as it does under law, to other committees. I am sure my colleague would concur with me that we may have differences on how best to insure uninsured Americans, but one vital step that I believe the gentleman's family and his long tradition of public service would point out is that there should be honesty with this policy, and so I trust he joins me in outrage about this meeting behind closed doors. I am concerned by reports that the Department of Health and Human Services is using an advisory committee without complying with the requirements of the Federal Advisory Committee Act.”