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Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz (R) is taking a step toward establishing transparency in the Republican controlled House of Representatives this week by introducing an amendment that would permanently allow C-SPAN cameras onto the floor.
In a comment made on Twitter, Gaetz explained the inspiration behind his proposed amendment:
“Last week, America watched in real time how our government is functioning. I’m introducing an amendment to allow @CSPAN cameras on the House floor at all times. Broader transparency in Congress is a net positive, and we need more of it.”
The “real time” functionality that Gaetz was referring to was the televised House process of voting for the next Speaker of the House last week, in which Americans across the nation watched with bated breath to see if Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., would capture the seat or not.
On Saturday morning, McCarthy won the speakership on the 15th ballot.
Gaetz told Fox News Digital that, “I’ve received a lot of feedback from constituents about how interesting it was [to watch], and that you were able to see in real time how our government is functioning, what alliances are being created, what discussions are being had, what animated moments drive the action. And the pool view of the Congress is antiquated and a little boomer-fied.”
Gaetz also mentioned that broadcasting what happens on the House floor would allow Americans to see the elected representatives work together in real time, calling it “humanizing.” He added to Fox, “…There are moments of bipartisanship and collegiality that occur every day. And the country doesn’t get to see those.”
Via the outlet, Gaetz’s amendment would allow for four C-SPAN cameras to broadcast House proceedings.
Previously, Gaetz heralded the passage of the 2023 House Rules Package this week, noting that it would bring forth votes on term limits, balanced budgets, and internal enforcement of immigration laws.