Democrats thwart Rep. Rob Bishop’s move to obtain ‘national monument’ documents
By Lee Davidson, Deseret News, May 5, 2010 [here]
WASHINGTON — Democrats on Wednesday narrowly beat back a Republican attempt co-led by Rep. Rob Bishop to force the Obama administration to turn over the still secret portions of a partially leaked document that showed the administration was considering creating 14 new national monuments, including two in Utah.
However, Bishop said the administration did turn over 383 out of 2,399 pages Republicans have been seeking, but that means its batting average is only .149 in providing the documents.
“By refusing to turn over thousands of pages of documents to Congress about this administration’s potential plans to lock up millions of acres of lands, they have destroyed any remaining illusion about being transparent,” Bishop said.
Bishop and Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Wash., tried to push through the House Natural Resources Committee a “resolution of inquiry” to force the release of the full document.
However, the committee on Wednesday killed a motion to favorably report it on a 22-20 vote. Instead, it reported the resolution by voice vote without recommendation, a sign that it has small chance of making it to the House floor. … [more]
Note: Oregon District 4 Congressman Peter DeFazio voted to bury the documents behind a stone wall. Secret insider dealings with the public’s land are none of the damn public’s damn business, according to “Boston” Pete.