7/29/2009 - Highlights “Opportunities Lost” – An Examination of the Breakdown of the Appropriations Process The House Rules Committee Republicans released a report today outlining the breakdown of the appropriations process this year under the restrictive limits imposed by the Democratic majority. “Opportunities Lost” examines the appropriations process from 1992 to present and lays out the facts about how this year’s handling of these privileged bills differs from past consideration under Democratic and Republican majorities, as well as the real reasons behind Democratic majority’s crackdown.   more...

6/26/2009 - Highlights Congressman Mike Simpson on Restoring Openness in the Appropriations Process In response to unprecedented actions by the U.S. House of Representatives Democratic Majority leadership to close the process for spending bills, Congresman Mike Simpson, Ranking Member of the Interior Appropriations subcommittee, took to the floor to ask the Democratic leadership to reconsider their decision in light of the damage that would be done to the institution of the House.   more...

6/23/2009 - Highlights Parliamentary Boot Camp Video: "The Problem With Pre-Printing" In this video, House Rules Committee Ranking Republican David Dreier describes how the Democratic Majority has changed the way spending bills are considered in the House. By making a small, subtle change in the process — requiring amendments to be pre-printed in the Congressional Record — the Majority has effectively changed the playing field to restrict the ability of Members to offer amendments to improve bills on the floor.   more...

10/21/2008 - Highlights Wipeout: How the Democratic Majority Abandoned its Promises of Openness and Civility As the 110th Congress concludes, the Committee on Rules Republican Members released this report on the new Democratic Majority's record of openness in their first Congress in control in 12 years.   more...