Following are excerpts from “A New Direction for America,” released in 2006 by Democratic members of Congress, mayors and governors (set in italics), and portions of recent articles by The Associated Press (set in quotation marks). “Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid unveiled his long-awaited version of legislation to reshape the nation’s health care system Wednesday night.” Bills should generally come to the floor under a procedure that allows open, full, and fair debate consisting of a full amendment process that grants the Minority the right to offer its alternatives, including a substitute. “After weeks of secretive drafting, Reid outlined the legislation to rank-and-file Democratic senators at a closed-door meeting.” Bills should be developed following full hearings and open subcommittee and committee markups, with appropriate referrals to other committees. “The Senate will hold its first vote on health care legislation Saturday night. ...