Congress Should Abide by Same Laws, Rules
The letter from Douglas Hewitson (Aug. 21) gave an entirely false description of my position on requiring that Congress abide by the same laws that apply to the private sector.
The truth is that I have long advocated ending congressional exemption from these laws that cover the private sector, and I was responsible for strengthening the provisions in the compliance bill before the House approved it by an overwhelming bipartisan 427-4 vote.
As chairman of the subcommittee that developed the Congressional Accountability Act, I made sure that Congress will be covered under all pertinent laws and by twice as many as recommended in the original measure. The bill we reported, and which was eventually passed by the House, also gives more authority and independence to the compliance office to enforce the law and congressional compliance.
I also believe that members of Congress should be subject to the same rules for health care benefits as every other American, and I voted for an amendment to the compliance bill with that requirement.
ANTHONY C. BEILENSON
Washington
Beilenson represents California’s 24th District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter
Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond. In your inbox three times per week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
