Cameras in the Courtroom Act of 2011

Madam Speaker, there's nothing more important to democracy than sunshine. This March among the most historic and momentous cases ever to come before the Supreme Court will be health care.

Many Americans supported health care reform, many opposed it. It was the product of hundreds of hours of debate on this very floor and in committees over many months. While there are a limited number of seats for the public here in the House, thanks to C SPAN millions of Americans had the opportunity to view those proceedings.

Unfortunately, when the case comes before the Supreme Court, just 50 Americans will be able to witness it. Shouldn't transparency require that the average citizen have an opportunity to view those proceedings?

There is an easy and non-intrusive way: allowing cameras in the Supreme Court.

Along with my Republican colleague, Judge Poe, I introduced H.R. 3572, the Cameras in the Courtroom Act, to require televising open Supreme Court proceedings. Sunshine remains the best disinfectant against those who might feel that the black robe of life tenure grants an entire branch of government permanent immunity from accountability.

I urge my colleagues to support this thoughtful act.