Democrats Threaten to Stop Senate Business if GOP Changes Rules on Judge Confirmations

TBO.COM ^

[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.

[Arrowhead1952]

I think this is what he was talking about.

[frankiep]

you're being generous, sadly.

[Lazamataz]

Democrats Threaten to Stop Senate Business if GOP Changes Rules on Judge Confirmations

This is why we MUST push the button.

Let 'em do it.

Let us pick up ALL available seats in 2006.

[DirtyDoc]

And the down side of this is?????????

DirtyDoc

[Bigh4u2]

"I suppose they could just filibuster all legislation in order to stop the Senate from working?"

That's true. But I would make sure that their 'filibuster' continuous and ON the floor.

Not like they have been doing, and just 'voting' to filibuster.

And no. The 'nuclear' option would not stop them from filibustering anything but Judicial nominations.

[demlosers]

Let the big babies try. It should help them lose 5 more seats for 06.

[ManHunter]

You mean shut down the government like the mean, evil Republicans did? Go for it!

[BMC1]

AMEN......

[nyg4168]

Soooooo....whatever they actually do end up blocking won't be worth spit, anyhow.

Like, say, Social Security reform and a gay marriage amendment?

[1Old Pro]

If they stop Senate business, they're finished as a party. Americans will remember who shut down the government for no good reason.

Especially if the Senate Republicans introduce bills for votes with names like "Saving the retired people's pensions" bill or "Make America Clean" Bill....you get the point.

[Cyber Ninja]

It’s time for "an unprecedented abuse of power,"

That will be the next note attached; when I reply with an empty GOP fund raising letter.

That’s right NRCC; no tickie, no laundry.

[Drango]

When the house did this under Gingrich, the Republicans lost the battle in the press and in the court of public opinion. Now the shoe is on the other foot. Will the NYTimes & Wa Post savage the rats? (I think not)

[InvisibleChurch]

good

[Mad Mammoth]

I offer 10 to 1 odds that the Republicans cave.

Sadly, unless Frist has bigger balls than anyone imagines, you may be right.

There is always the possibility that the 'Rats will overplay their hand so badly that the Republicans will indeed amend the rules to cease the filibustering on judicial nominees, and if the 'Rats try to shut down the Senate?

Have the Sergeant at Arms remove them from the Senate chamber, Vice President Cheney (as President of the Senate) rules on a motion to censure the 'Rats, they are effectively expelled from the Senate, and viola:

No more obstructionism.

OK, I admit - probably not the most realistic outcome, but hey - I can dream can't I?

[ManHunter]

It's absolutely true and guess who led the charge? None other than Robert "KKK - I AM the economy of West Virginia" Byrd; and he has done so four times in his "illustrious" career in the United States Senate.

[JimRed]

Stopping Senate business = GOOD thing!

[ohioWfan]

My thoughts exactly...............GO AHEAD.........MAKE MY DAY. DO it!

[michigander]

No bet.

[demlosers]

[Lee'sGhost]

"I offer 10 to 1 odds that the Republicans cave."

No bet.