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.

[Bar-Face]

"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"

After the Texas Democraps showed them how it is done, do you think there is any chance the Senate Democraps will head down to Old Mexico? Sounds good to me.

[Don@VB]

Open Question...Is there any precedent for filibustering judicial appointments that have cleared committie? I thought that judicial appointments were always accorded an up or down floor vote....at least until recently. Even Robert Bork (the Lefties Boogie Man) was allowed a floor vote. If the Dem's have departed from tradition, the Nuclear Option is even more appropriate.

[Arrowhead1952]

Here is some more ammo.

A Constitutional Debate: Robert Byrd vs. Democrat Senators

The Byrd Option

The Byrd Option: The former Senate leader knew how to break a filibuster

BYRD WP OP-ED: Factually inaccurate, inconsistent with his voting record (Dirty Sheets)

[sully777]

Are they suggesting a government shut-down? (Rubbing hands together)

[Grendel9]

Yes. Rush was explaining that when the Dems had control
of both houses, the GOP gave them such trouble on certain issues, that KKK Byrd, then Senate Leader, declared filibusters were not in the rules they would follow, and
simple majority would save the day. NOW, that the shoes
are on the other foot, not only is BYRd crying "Foul but so are many other Dem Honchos.'

I say Frist should get on with it and stop trying to
placate the Dems who will never be placated, no
matter how much voice you give them. If THEY ARE NOT
in control, they whine and make nasty remarks about
the Reps. Just ignore them, let them complain, and do it!

[Spunky]

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

Do it fast Bill Frist.

First the Republicans would not be changing the rules. They would be putting them back the way they are supposed to be.

[frankiep]

Why are we even calling this the "Nuclear" Option when there is absolutely nothing unlawful or destructive about it. The MSM is calling it nuclear because it makes it sound sinister and evil, we don't have to do the same thing.

[Sthitch]

I say it is time for them to actually be forced to filibuster. Make them take it to the floor and talk their hearts out, I am thinking that they should schedule it for time when the dems are planning a retreat, or holiday break. It would keep both houses in session (since the House adjourning would force the Senate to do so within a day), and make life uncomfortable for all of the dems. When the gas bags are done, the Senate can vote on the judges. I know tradition does not allow for them to do what they are doing, but it also requires that a filibuster be an active not a passive event.

[clintonh8r]

RATs threaten to stop Senate business...

Promise?

[uscabjd]

How can they bring the senate to a halt? Whatever proceedural tool they use to do this can be voted out of order with 51 votes. Am I wrong?

[nikos1121]

The republicans need to show some guts...

[Indy Pendance]

How positively delightful!

[Spunky]

"If the Dem's have departed from tradition, the Nuclear Option is even more appropriate."

The Nuclear option was when the Democrates changed the rules. We would be going back to the way the rules were originally written.

[DennisR]

"Democrats Threaten to Stop Senate Business"

Too good to be true...

[Don@VB]

You are correct! I only refer to this as "Nuclear Option" because it was labeled that way by some pundit or talking head.

[katieanna]

My thought exactly. I do not beleive you are wrong.

I would say further that the opportunity the GOP has right now to shape the federal judiciary for generations yet unborn is an opportunity that they'd better not let escape them. If they should lose their re-election bids because of it, it would be worth it.

[foofoopowder]

How many more Demo Rat Senators can we get rid of in the 2006 election? The Demo Rats should change their name to the National Socialist Party, or the Jackass Party. One Hee Haw who will be defeated in 2006 is Nelson (D-FL). Maybe the Republican Party can pick up another 5 Senate seats in 2006?

[mozrock]

Sounds good....but if you read on it sounds like it would shut them down if they walk....

"and pending its execution, and until a quorum shall be present, no debate nor motion, except to adjourn, or to recess pursuant to a previous order entered by unanimous consent, shall be in order."

Or am I reading this wrong?

[Mr_Peter]

" say it is time for them to actually be forced to filibuster. "

You miss the point. It takes 60 votes to pass a motion of cloiture (end debate and call for a vote). They don't have to debate, since they can't get the 60 votes.