Republican Congressman Patrick McHenry, whose 10th District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives includes Caldwell County, is backing a bipartisan bill (H.R. 554) that would require all legislation be made available to the public 72 hours prior to consideration by the full House.

Currently cosponsored by 139 Republicans and 42 Democrats, the bill has been advanced by Brian Baird, D-Wash., and Greg Walden, R-Ore. At this point, however, the Democratic leadership within the House has declined to schedule a vote on the legislation.

At numerous town hall events this past summer, participants frequently called upon legislators to read and publicly disclose pending bills, in particular the mammoth health care reform bill that contains more than 1,000 pages.

"If you want to know how out of touch Washington really is, look no further," McHenry said. "Congress is debating some of the most sweeping policy changes in our nation's history, but some believe the legislation should be hidden from the American people."

McHenry noted that the bill is similar to one that President Barack Obama introduced while he was in the U.S. Senate and advocated on the campaign trail last year.

Supporters of the action acknowledge the bill would not guarantee a greater public understanding of looming legislation, which often is written in intricate legal jargon. At the same time, McHenry said not moving forward with the bill is contrary to the principle of open government.

"When (the) Democratic leadership is this desperate to undermine government transparency, it certainly raises a red flag," McHenry said. "What kind of legislation would need to be hidden from the public? The bad kind unfortunately."

House Republicans also have pointed to climate change legislation, known as "cap-and-trade," which was not posted online until after 3 a.m. on the morning of the vote this past June. The measure was approved in the House but has yet to be acted upon by the full Senate.