WASHINGTON, DC – Today, every Republican Member of the Ways and Means Committee signed a letter led by Ranking Member Dave Camp (R-MI) requesting Chairman Charlie Rangel (D-NY) schedule a committee mark-up of H.R. 2454, the Waxman-Markey “cap and trade” bill.
In requesting the mark-up, Ways and Means Republicans cited clause 2(c)(2) of Rule XI of the House. The rule provides that three Members of the Committee can submit a written request for a mark-up, specifying the measure to be considered. The rule further specifies that if after three calendar days, the Chairman has failed to schedule such a meeting within seven days, then it can be scheduled by a majority of Committee members.
“Even supporters acknowledge that the bill imposes a tax increase on families, fundamentally alters almost every aspect of our economy, and raises significant policy issues with respect to our international trade obligations,” Ways and Means Republicans wrote.
“We were disappointed, therefore, to read press reports suggesting that the Committee may allow itself to be bypassed on this measure, meaning no Member of the Committee on Ways & Means will have an opportunity to offer suggestions on ways to modify the bill or to propose alternative approaches.”
Full text of the letter follows and a PDF version with signatures can be seen by clicking here:
Dear Chairman Rangel:
On May 15, 2009, Congressman Waxman introduced H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, which was referred to the Committee on Ways & Means.
As you know, this legislation establishes a comprehensive “cap and trade” system to limit the emission of certain gases, particularly carbon dioxide. While we await a final score from the Congressional Budget Office, even supporters acknowledge that the bill imposes a tax increase on families, fundamentally alters almost every aspect of our economy, and raises significant policy issues with respect to our international trade obligations.
While the measure was also referred to seven other Committees of the House, many of the most important policy changes are within the jurisdiction of our great Committee.
We were disappointed, therefore, to read press reports suggesting that the Committee may allow itself to be bypassed on this measure, meaning no Member of the Committee on Ways & Means will have an opportunity to offer suggestions on ways to modify the bill or to propose alternative approaches.
The Committee certainly has a great deal on its plate right now, including the daunting challenge of health care reform. But our Committee has always shown the ability to work on multiple complex measures at the same time. Just as we look forward to working together to produce a bipartisan health care reform bill, we stand ready to roll up our sleeves to ensure the Committee has an opportunity to fully consider cap and trade legislation.
Therefore, pursuant to clause 2(c)(2) of Rule XI of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the undersigned Members of the Committee request that you call a special meeting of the Committee to hold a mark-up on H.R. 2454 as approved by the Committee on Energy and Commerce last month.
We appreciate your prompt consideration of this request.