Washington, DC- U.S. Senator Jim Risch reiterated his continuing support today of a resolution requiring greater transparency in all legislative matters brought before the Senate.

The resolution, authored by Senator Jim Bunning (R-Ky.), calls for all legislation to have a final budget scoring from the Congressional Budget Office and to be made available to the public at least 72 hours before it can be brought for consideration in a Senate committee or on the Senate Floor.

"Already this year we have found surprise after surprise in legislation, like the stimulus bill, when it was rushed through without seeing the light of day. A three-day window to examine legislation and consider its cost is reasonable, responsible and provides the oversight we desperately need," said Risch. "The president and the American people have said they want greater transparency and this resolution provides it."

A recent poll showed 83 percent of voters support posting legislation online in its final form before Congress votes on it- something Risch has done on his website with each of the health care proposals being considered in the House and the Senate.

The Bunning resolution goes further by requiring all legislation be made available on the Internet in searchable form and further stipulates that weekends and holidays are to be excluded from the 72-hour window unless the Senate is in session on that day. Additionally, the rule could only be suspended by a two-thirds majority vote of the Senate.

"That really is not too much to ask," Risch said. "It's just improved transparency."

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