Sen. Miller seeks to bust filibusters after 30-hour debate

AccessNorthGA ^ | 11/12/03

[theDentist]

I still don't understand why the pubbies don't change this freakin' rule!

[KellyAdmirer]

After this, the Republicans should do a 300-hour talkathon, then a 3000 hour one, and so on, until this issue is resolved for good. Enough pussy-footing around!

[Mich0127]

I heard Sen. Miller discussing this on Hannity's radio show. I doubt our forefathers wanted a tyrannical minority to rule over the mejority..sounds very un-American
The laws need to be changed.

[Paleo Conservative]

I still don't understand why the pubbies don't change this freakin' rule!

Rule changes require a 2/3rds vote.

[1Old Pro]

They can't, the dems would fillibuster. The ONLY answer is to do a recess appointment with people like judge bork.

[Mich0127]

BUMP!

[anniegetyourgun]

Wouldn't that require a cloture vote as well?

[ModelBreaker]

I still don't understand why the pubbies don't change this freakin' rule!

This freakin' rule is the reason we don't have HillaryCare.

[dufekin]

How about a recess appointment of Roy Moore, the Alabama state chief justice?

[TrappedInLiberalHell]

I don't know about anyone else, but I'd vote for Zell Miller over a good number of Republican Senators. He's everything Jeffords was not when it comes to being a 'rogue'. He honored the voters who put him there by staying put, but he votes with his conscience and tries to reform his party (in vain) from within. He's one of those guys my late mother, a lifelong liberal, and I would both have voted for (something I can't say about very many people).

[bobjam]

Because four or five of those "Republicans" are scared the dems would "stop playing nice" and stall everything, which wouldn't be good. Then again, that would mean the Senate couldn't pass the prescription drug entitlement, assault weapons ban renewal, and other liberal garbage Bush is too chicken to veto.

[G.Mason]

"Filibusters in general and judicial filibusters particularly go on trial Wednesday as Republicans kickoff a 30-hour marathon debate designed to attract attention to the cause. When they finish, the Senate is expected to consider a rules change sponsored by Miller and Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., that would outlaw the infinite filibuster of judges."

Could get very interesting. A thirty hour advertisement, and then on with the show, with most of the nation watching.

[jmstein7]

Point of order; nuclear option; you only need a bare majority for a ruling on the rule.

[ArrogantBustard]

Filibuster is a good rule ... helps prevent tyranny of the majority. But the majority should force the filibusterers to actually filibuster. Like, get on the floor and talk nonstop for hours on end, instead of just caving when they threaten to filibuster.

[Prince Caspian]

This freakin' rule is the reason we don't have HillaryCare.

Good point. The fillibuster option should stay in the rules. Let the issue be settled in the political arena. Let the participants force a real fillibuster. Let the politicians compete for the public attention/sympathy. Let public concern be expressed through phone/mail to senators. Let the next election cycle make appropriate adjustments.

[Protagoras]

I don't know about anyone else, but I'd vote for Zell Miller over a good number of Republican Senators.

You might have to kiss your FreeRepublic account goodbye. That is not tolerated around here.

[Prince Caspian]

Recess appointments of someone more conservative than the person being fillibustered. Sounds like great political hardball to me. And probably the best option right now.

[MamaLucci]

I don't know about anyone else, but I'd vote for Zell Miller over a good number of Republican Senators.

Me too. Zell or Arlen? No contest. Zell or Olympia?
One's a commie, and it AIN'T Zell.
Zell or Lincoln....no doubt, I vote for the dem in a heartbeat.

[Tunehead54]

Rule changes require a 2/3rds vote.

---

Actually I believe a senate rule can be changed with a simple majority and that is their plan.

When another cloture vote fails, a senator will claim a point of order, request a rule change and a simple majority vote will dump the cloture rule for judicial appointments. Or something like that. ;-)