Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon issued the following statement upon introduction of America Speaking Out, an effort to provide an official forum to involve the American public in creating new policy for the 111th Congress:

“The American people and my constituents need the opportunity to actually be heard by their leaders in Washington, D.C., so House Republicans are providing that forum with today’s launch of ‘America Speaking Out.’

“Over the past couple years, there has been a growing distrust from the American people about what is happening in Washington, D.C. Research shows they feel as though they are being ignored and in some cases ridiculed for speaking out about their priorities. My Republican colleagues and I want to change that and want to engage the American people in a partnership. We need a bottom-up approach where leaders are listening and leading and moving an agenda forward that reflects the ideals of the nation. Congress is, after all, the people’s House.

“We are trying to put an end to the disconnect between the wishes of the people and the policies being forced on them by the Majority in Washington. America Speaking Out will be a transparent process with an open forum for everyone to participate. It won’t include closed door meetings, back room deals, or empty promises. This process will allow for policy to be developed through and by the voice of the American people. Anyone will be able to utilize the AmericaSpeakingOut.com website. We are excited for the robust dialogue to begin.”

Congressman McKeon is set to host a multi-site town hall meeting at noon PT on June 3rd in the 25th Congressional District of California, utilizing video and audio technology. Watch hometownstation.com for details as they become available.