Posted on 03/15/2005 12:22:27 PM PST by Sub-Driver
Democrats Threaten to Stop Senate Business if GOP Changes Rules on Judge Confirmations By David Espo The Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) - Democrats served notice Tuesday that they will slow or stop most Senate business if Republicans unilaterally change the rules to assure confirmation of President Bush's controversial court appointments.
Any such change would mark "an unprecedented abuse of power," Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., wrote Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn.
Reid, the Democratic leader, exempted military and national security legislation from the threat, and said Democrats would not block passage of measures needed to assure continuation of critical government services.
"To shut down the Senate would be irresponsible and partisan," Frist said in swift rebuttal. "The solution is simple: return to 200 years of tradition and allow up or down votes on judges."
The exchange marked the latest development in a long-simmering struggle over Bush's court appointments. Democrats blocked votes on 10 nominees during the last Congress, attacking them as too conservative to warrant lifetime appointments.
Accusing Democrats of obstruction, Republicans sought to make an issue of it in the elections last fall, in which they gained four seats.
Bush has already renominated some of the judges, and Reid has said previously the Democrats' position has not changed.
(Excerpt) Read more at ap.tbo.com ...
Pot. Kettle. Black.
I thought that the Senate only needed a majority of party members in order vote on bills?
I don't think it requires a majority of BOTH parties.
Rush had a great twist on this the other day. Something about it's the dims who changed the rules that set up what we have today. Anybody got the skinny of that?
That would be too much like having our cake and eating it too!
Paaaahhhhllleeeeesssssseeee shut down the Senate! I love gridlock.
Will anyone notice? Gee we won't get to see a steroid investigation...zzzzzzzzzzz.
There is democracy in action - NOT!
PLEASE GOD LET THEM DO THIS!!!!!!
I can think of nothing else that would work to so completely and utterly destroy what is left of the Commucrat Party.
By all means Mr Senator, go right ahead!
Well, the Texas State RATS RAN AWAY, LAUGHING TO NEW MEXICO when they wouldn't win a redistricting vote.
THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY IS A CRIMINAL ENTERPRISE
Bless them! If the only thing that gets done are appointment confirmations it's a good year. Anything the Senate accomplishes is usually a bad thing. Besides, what's new?
If they stop Senate business, they're finished as a party. Americans will remember who shut down the government for no good reason.
Cat fight! Cat fight!
"Democrats Threaten to Stop Senate Business if GOP Changes Rules on Judge Confirmations"
Stupid RATS, now they are on RECORD telling the American folk to BLAME them for closing down the Senate!!! Bawahahhahahaa!! IDIOTS!! I hope the Pubs take full advantage of those WORDS!!!
Let them strike, even better, lock 'em out. And on the issue of being paid for not doing work...well what else is new?
Soooooo....whatever they actually do end up blocking won't be worth spit, anyhow.
I suppose they could just filibuster all legislation in order to stop the Senate from working? Or would the nuclear option disallow filibuster vetos on everything, not just judicial appointments?
We the citizens win both ways. No ones life, libery, or property is safe when congress is in session.
They'll shut down the business of the Government? How dare they stop work on behalf of the people. Obstructionists! What about Grandma's Social Security check? Other critical safety net and national security issues will be left unaddressed! Will we have to send home the good government workers?
(Checking calendar; Yup. Looks like 1996 in reverse to me!)
I offer 10 to 1 odds that the Republicans cave.
NOW is the time to do it. It's an off-election year. JUST DO IT.
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