FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 16, 2001 |
Contact: Rep. Galen Fox Tel.: 586-8520 |
GOP: WE WANT TO HELP PEOPLE HEAR THE BILLS THEY SUPPORT
For the second time in three days, House Democrats refused all attempts to discuss the merits of bills recalled from committee by Republicans. House Republicans pulled three bills from committee that would remove the GET on food, medical services and residential rent. Democrats killed all attempts at hearing about tax relief by tabling each bill without debate.
After each of the three bills were recalled and put on the agenda, the Democrat majority immediately moved to have them tabled or postponed, without allowing discussion or a vote for or against.
"The public wants us to discuss and vote on important issues," Republican leader, Galen Fox said. Fox went on to say: "The right of recall and the right to debate the merits of a bill is inherent in our Constitution and the rules of the House that we abide by."
"Everyone -- except the Democrat majority -- understands that if you can put a bill in front of the Members of the House, you should also be able to discuss it, otherwise, why provide the recall?" said Rep. David Pendleton.
The true colors of the Democrats are beginning to show. To stifle debate on bills that would protect children from sexual predators, to stifle debate on tax relief for Hawaii's working families, to stifle debate on bills that would help improve the economy shows the Democrats have a motivation other than the health, safety and welfare of the people of Hawaii. That motivation is the preservation of their heretofore-exclusive political power to consider or not consider proposed legislation. But this is another day and the Republicans intend to help the people hear a wider range of bills from now on.
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