Congressman Paul Gosar is known for his novel ideas and unusual sense of humor, but his proposal to require U.S. House members to wear body cameras is being hailed as “absolutely hysterical and revolutionary.”
Gosar introduced the resolution to create a pilot program to require the leadership of the House of Representatives to wear body cameras and share the recorded footage with the public. In response, constituents requested that a provision be added to include fines for any member who shut off their cameras.
“Today, body-worn cameras already provide valuable evidence defending police officers from otherwise false and frivolous accusations. Occasionally, the police worn body cameras show a law enforcement error. There is further movement to put cameras in school classrooms. Too often what is really happening in our schools is hidden from parents,” said Gosar in a press release.
“This trend to bring transparency and honesty should also apply to Congress,” argued Gosar. “For example, in January of 2021, several members of congress made false and defamatory allegations that other members of congress gave “reconnaissance tours” on January 5. Footage from body cameras would be able to rebut such defamation immediately.”
Gosar referred to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez’s unsubstantiated claim that she endured a harrowing experience on January 6 and was forced to hide and was chased by Trump supporters. Gosar says that because she had no witnesses or documentation to support her claims, “a body camera would demonstrate the confabulation of such a story.”
“The lack of transparency in Congress is driving public trust in government to near-historic lows,” claimed Gosar. “The best way to restore that trust is through total transparency and sharing with the American people what really happens in Washington, DC. Less secrecy from our leaders is a good place to start.”
Gosar says he wants the cameras on while leaders carrying out official business and the footage from the cameras would be shared with the public.
“If the American people were shown more information about what happens in Congress, public trust in our government might improve,” concluded Congressman Gosar.
John M. Reeves, Founder, @BodyCams4Congress stated, “I have long maintained that body cameras in Congress would lead to better practices and transparency. I am in full support of this legislation as a great first step.”