GOP now Filibusters Two Bipartisan Bills

[hazlnut]

The GOP continues to scuttle the economy.

Senate trench warfare reached new heights this week as Republicans blocked votes on two bills that have broad partisan support.

The filibusters of the Shaheen-Portman energy efficiency bill on Monday and a business-backed tax cut bill on Thursday had little to do with the content of the bills. Republicans attributed their blockade to the fact that they weren't able to offer the amendments they wanted to offer.

"This is what parliamentary warfare looks like," said Sarah Binder, a leading Senate expert and a professor at George Washington University. "I think the filibuster of the tax extender and energy bills -- both carefully negotiated by committee leaders in a bipartisan fashion -- suggests yet another deterioration of the Senate's legislative capacity. The combination of Senate rules and competitive, polarized parties makes the Senate near ungovernable."

On Thursday a measure to revive expired tax breaks for companies on research and development, among other incentives, failed 53-40. The only GOP senator to join Democrats was Mark Kirk (IL). Republican leaders wanted to offer amendments, including one to repeal Obamacare's medical device tax, but Democrats blocked it. So they filibustered the legislation.

"It had nothing to do with policy," said Senate Finance Ranking Member Orrin Hatch (R-UT), who filibustered the bill even though he supported it. "It had to do with how we proceed. And frankly I think a message was sent today."

Minority rules -- the founders are spinning in their graves.

 

[Pete7469]

 

[ClosedCaption]

 

[OKTexas]

So the commies won't allow amendments and then cry when the republicans block the bills. Ya just can't make this shit up, cry commies cry.

 

[Nosmo King]

Do we elect officials to legislate and lead this nation, or do we elect people to play cheap stunts for political purposes? Do we expect congress to do something, or do we expect politics to play out like a sport so we can cheer our teams and demean the opposition? Are there enough Conservatives who desire effective leadership, or has the whole of the Conservative movement devolved into a mission to leave scorched earth in their wake?

Are there any Conservatives who understand what 'communism' means, or is that the nom de jeur for the bumper sticker mentality? What is considered governance today? scuttling bipartisanship and utter lack of the ability to compromise?

How is it that Conservatives claim to love the constitution while totally ignoring the history of compromise it took to craft it?

 

[ScienceRocks]

wind is dying.