I didn’t know that…
5. No member of Congress may vote, either yes or no, on a particular bill without submitting a signed declaration that he or she has read the bill in its entirety and understands it.
Several years ago, the blatant falsification of financial records lead to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act which required CEOs to sign and accept responsibility for the accuracy of their corporation’s financial statements. It is time we required the same level of accountability of our representatives in government.
“I didn’t know that…” sounds cute from my four year old niece. Not so cute when it comes from a Senator claiming ignorance as an excuse for how he voted.
This clause would also require legislators to certify in writing that they have read completely and understand fully the legislation they are voting on.