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Legislation first championed by 26th District U.S. Rep. Chris Lee, seeking an end to overprinting of proposed bills before Congress, was picked up in the U.S. Senate on Thursday.
The proposed law by Lee, R-Clarence, would end automatic printing of multiple copies of proposed legislation for its sponsor and all original co-sponsors. The practice is “wasteful,” he said.
The Stop the Overprinting Act was passed in the House by a unanimous vote on Jan. 18.
U.S. Senators Tom Coburn, R-Okla., and Mark Warner, D-Va., introduced “Stop” companion legislation in the Senate. If it’s passed, a reconciled bill — which combines the House and Senate versions — will go to President Obama for signing.
According to Lee’s office, Congressional printing costs about $7 million a year. When legislation is introduced, 325 copies of the full text are automatically printed for sponsors. The 2,300-page health care reform bill was one of them last year.
It’s ridiculous to print so many copies of something that lawmakers can read online, Lee suggested. After the House majority spurned his proposed law last year, it ended up being the first bill passed in the 2011 session.
“When it comes to government spending, it is essential that we look at all options, no matter how large or small,” he said Tuesday. “This bill is a small but important step toward shifting Congress’ focus from borrowing to saving.”
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January 28, 2011
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