] The Accenture episode is emblematic of the way business
] is conducted in the 108th Congress, where a Republican
] leadership has sidelined legislation unwanted by the Bush
] administration, even when a majority of the House seemed
] ready to approve it, according to lawmakers, lobbyists,
] and an analysis of House activities. With one party
] controlling the White House and both chambers of
] Congress, and having little fear of retaliation by the
] opposing party, the House leadership is changing the way
] laws are made in America, favoring secrecy and speed over
] open debate and negotiation. Longstanding rules and
] practices are ignored. Committees more often meet in
] secret. Members are less able to make changes to
] legislation on the House floor. Bills come up for votes
] so quickly that elected officials frequently don't know
] what's in them. And there is less time to discuss
] proposed laws before they come up for a vote.

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