Buchanan calls for open meetings

Congressman Vern Buchanan on Thursday called for  transparency of the Joint Select Committe on Deficit Reduction and said he intends to sponsor legislation to ensure the body's meetings stay open for review by the public.

The committee was estabilshed as part of the deal to break up the stalemate over raising the federal debt ceiling. The committee will consist of 12 members — six senators and six congreessman. Congressional leaders have until Aug. 12 to appoint committee members under the deal.

The committee then will have three months to propose another $1.2 million worth of cuts.

“This is a pivotal point in our nation’s history,” Buchanan said.  “In the past, massive legislative measures have been written in the middle of the night by a handful of members and staff, and then quickly passed into law before the American people have a chance to even see what the final version looks like, let alone determine how they feel about it.  This is not acceptable.”

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].