FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Slaughter and Rules Democrats to Demand Full and Open Debate on Iraq Resolution

 Democrats to Call for Open Rule for H.Res. 861

Washington, DC - Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, will today join her Democratic colleagues on the House Rules Committee in demanding a full and open debate on H.Res. 861, the Republican Iraq war resolution to be brought to the Floor on Thursday.

For such an open debate to take place, the Republican-controlled Rules Committee must today pass an "open rule" governing debate on H.Res. 861. If it does so, any Member of the House will have the ability to rise and address the body for five minutes concerning the legislation being debated. By contrast, if a "closed rule" is passed by the Rules Committee, debate will be far more constricted.

"At a time when Republicans consistently argue that the Iraq war is about the extension of democracy and freedom around the world, they have to see the hypocrisy in preventing free expression here at home," Rep. Slaughter said. "My Democrat colleagues and I are demanding an open rule for this bill, so that every member of the House will have a chance to have their voice heard."

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