Gillibrand: Supreme Court should allow cameras

(CBS News) -- As the Supreme Court takes up three days of oral arguments on the constitutionality of President Obama's signature health care law, New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand argued that cameras should be allowed to record the arguments for everyone to see.

"I really wish the American people could be watching this proceeding," Gillibrand said Monday in an interview with "CBS This Morning," adding "we should have cameras have cameras in the courtroom. Absolutely."

The New York lawmaker said that it would strengthen American democracy if everyone has the ability to see and hear discussion about issues that affect their lives.

"This decision fundamentally affects every single American. I think they should be part of the discussion, the questions being asked, hearing the answers in real time, to be engaged. That is what we want. We want more people to care about our democracy," Gillibrand said.

United States Chief Justice John Roberts announced earlier this month that an audio recording of the arguments would be made available after the oral arguments are completed each day, but the court rejected requests from media organizations to allow television cameras to record the proceedings.

"I think we need transparency in this branch of government," she said.