May 24, 2007
by Steve Osborn

Abolish the "Rider" and Non-Relevant Amendments

Once again it is necessary to call upon We the People to correct a deadly error in legislative practices. Every one has heard of "riders" on bills and, of course, amendments are common. Politicians love both of them because it forces pork barrel appropriations and truly bad legislation into law. As an example, last year an amendment was tacked onto an emergency funding bill for Katrina aid. The amendment gave Bush still more dictatorial powers in the event of another disaster, natural or man made. Did that belong in an emergency funding bill? NO!

Here is how the process works. Let's say that a representative comes up with a bill that solves the problem of Social Security funding. It is a perfect solution and worthy of a yes vote by every member of the government. So, Congressman or Senator Joe Blow attaches a rider to the bill that gives his state a multimillion dollar defense contract, and Mary Smurf attaches a rider that authorizes the construction of a dam that will cost millions and flood several thousand square miles of farmland and Native American sacred ground. Aaron Crudworth attaches an amendment that allows the President to bypass any congressional oversight on judicial appointments.

Now this perfect bill comes up for a vote. Those that vote for it are real heroes! Those that vote against it are probably not going to be re-elected. However, all that junk added on to it also becomes law, so those that oppose the destructive dam, or won't vote to give the president even more power, or those that don't want to see the Military-Industrial-Congressional-Complex become more powerful have to vote against it and are tarred with the brush of being anti-Social Security.

The above is an over simplification, of course, but illustrates the problem. This has been going on for far too many years, but it is becoming ever more blatant and destructive.

What has to be done to stop these bandits in their tracks, is for We the People to mount an offensive of letters, calls, visits, etc., as intensive or even more intensive as that to end the occupation of Iraq, or to impeach the White House Gang.

(Article Continues Below)

We have to insist that all bills introduced have to be single purpose bills, to be debated and voted on for that purpose. All non-relevant amendments and all riders will not be allowed to be attached to any bill. I recently got a letter from one of my Senators, bewailing the fact that she had to vote for a disastrous program because it was attached to a "must pass" budget bill! Budget bills, especially the end of the year emergency bills, collect riders like cow flops collect flies, because if they can stick them on, they are a shoo in. The budget must be passed!

This should not be a problem, and would not be if the process was banned.

It will have to be initiated by We the People because "They the Congress" would rather have a place to hang their pork and hide their lousy legislation where the people won't see it.

I'm not a politician and I don't know how to start a movement, but if we could get this one going, many of our governmental ills would be cured.

Any legislation should be single issue, debated as such and voted upon as such. If you want a pork barrel project, introduce a bill for it and let it be openly debated and voted on. Don't be allowed to hide it in a child care or education appropriations bill.

Support Legislation Reform:  Read the Bills Act

If you enjoyed this post, please consider the following:

1. Make a donation of $1 or more to help keep this website active.

2. Click Here to Subscribe to the Free Populist Party Newsletter

Stephen M. Osborn [send him email] is a freelance writer living on Camano Island in the Pacific Northwest. He is an "Atomic Vet." (Operation Redwing, Bikini Atoll 1956, ) who has been very active working and writing for nuclear disarmament and world peace. He is a retired Fire Battalion Chief, lifelong sailor, writer, poet, philosopher, historian and former newspaper columnist.