The senate passed the $87 billion Iraq spending bill, but they did it in such a way that there is no personal accountability! They used the voice vote!
voice vote - A vote in which the Presiding Officer states the question, then
asks those in favor and against to say "Yea" or "Nay," respectively, and
announces the result according to his or her judgement. The names or number
of Senators voting on each side are not recorded.
How can we reform the legislature? If we try to get a law introduced which eliminates the voice vote, I don't think the legislature would pass it, since it affects them. Ideas?
The only way is to have a state voter introduced proposition which requires any spending bill must be approved by a role call vote and requires a 3/4 ths majority of all legislators. Then the spending bill must go to the voters with a 3/4 ths majority of all registered voters approving for enactment.
Ergo - no more spending bills enacted unless there is some overwhelming voter approval for the spending bill.
Ron Getty
SF Libertarian
Mike Dilger <mike@...> wrote:
The senate passed the $87 billion Iraq spending bill, but they did it in
such a way that there is no personal accountability! They used the
voice vote!
voice vote - A vote in which the Presiding Officer states the
question, then
asks those in favor and against to say "Yea" or "Nay," respectively, and
announces the result according to his or her judgement. The names
or number
of Senators voting on each side are not recorded.
How can we reform the legislature? If we try to get a law introduced
which eliminates the voice vote, I don't think the legislature would
pass it, since it affects them. Ideas?