Posted on 05/23/2005 4:18:39 PM PDT by jern
Announce Filibuster Compromise
LIEberman?
The FULL TEXT ( from HughHewitt.com )
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON JUDICIAL NOMINATIONS
We respect the diligent, conscientious efforts, to date, rendered to the Senate by Majority Leader Frist and Democratic Leader Reid. This memorandum confirms an understanding among the signatories, based upon mutual trust and confidence, related to pending and future judicial nominations in the 109th Congress.
This memorandum is in two parts. Part I relates to the currently pending judicial nominees; Part II relates to subsequent individual nominations to be made by the President and to be acted upon by the Senate’s Judiciary Committee.
We have agreed to the following:
Part I: Commitments on Pending Judicial Nominations
A. Votes for Certain Nominees. We will vote to invoke cloture on the following judicial nominees: Janice Rogers Brown (D.C. Circuit), William Pryor (11th Circuit), and Priscilla Owen (5th Circuit).
B. Status of Other Nominees. Signatories make no commitment to vote for or against cloture on the following judicial nominees: William Myers (9th Circuit) and Henry Saad (6th Circuit).
Part II: Commitments for Future Nominations
A. Future Nominations. Signatories will exercise their responsibilities under the Advice and Consent Clause of the United States Constitution in good faith. Nominees should only be filibustered under extraordinary circumstances, and each signatory must use his or her own discretion and judgment in determining whether such circumstances exist.
B. Rules Changes. In light of the spirit and continuing commitments made in this agreement, we commit to oppose the rules changes in the 109th Congress, which we understand to be any amendment to or interpretation of the Rules of the Senate that would force a vote on a judicial nomination by means other than unanimous consent or Rule XXII.
We believe that, under Article II, Section 2, of the United States Constitution, the word “Advice” speaks to consultation between the Senate and the President with regard to the use of the President’s power to make nominations. We encourage the Executive branch of government to consult with members of the Senate, both Democratic and Republican, prior to submitting a judicial nomination to the Senate for consideration.
Such a return to the early practices of our government may well serve to reduce the rancor that unfortunately accompanies the advice and consent process in the Senate.
We firmly believe this agreement is consistent with the traditions of the United States Senate that we as Senators seek to uphold.
Yes, LIEberman! Well done StarFan!
That proves the deal was back stabbing at it's best. McCain hates Frist. He would do anything to get payback from Pres. Bush and Frist. He loves his name in print and he certainly got that tonight. Every story that I have read leads with McCain being the "hero".
The handling of Saad and Myers will tell quite a bit. Will the Senate provide unanimous consent to take the vote? The gang of 14 controls at most itself.
bump to slam these morons on the phone tomorrow.
That is the best analogy of the situation I have read thus far.
Frist never had the votes. There are 7 (or more) RINOs, at least 7 of whom are traitors. Some of them would vote to end judicial filibusters only if their Democrat colleagues refused to compromise. They cut a deal for only three of the judges: Owens, Pryor, and Brown, and a deal for those 7 Democrats to try hard not to filibuster in the future, meaning they will vote for cloture except in extraordinary circumstances (in their own opinion).
The Democrats picked up 7 seats tonight, but they will give some of them back.
I don't agree with everyone's logic that the "extreme circumstances" standard has been set. The dems don't believe in logic or truth. They are buying their time until the first USSC nominee comes up. It doesn't matter who Bush nominates. What the dems call it "extreme circumstances". Mark my word. I donated hundreds of dollars in 2004 to Bush and the RNC. No more money from me. May cost us some seats, but you gotta have principals. Unlike the 7 so called republicans who cut this deal.
You hit the nail on the head with your letter. Both my wife and I have told RNC callers to screw off because of the RINOs. After this, I won't even be that kind if the phone rings. I see lots of others on this threat "rationalizing" the great victory we achieved. Meanwhile, Ralph Nees, Harry Reid and the rest of the left-wing (Democraps plus spineless RINOs) are laughting their asses off at us. No more!
Between, Illegals, Shiavo, Social Security, over-spending,and Constitutional Law, the Republican party has abandoned about 80% of its base.
Why stop there, Quit your day job, set your house and car on fire and renounce your citizenship.....
I'll bet can't see a silver lining for the clouds as well
There is a solution.
I hate to say it, but I tend to agree with you. It would not surprise me at all if all three--Owen, Brown, Pryor--get voted down. You talk about demoralizing. Should this be the case, I will truly be so demoralized. I'm awfully close right now, to the point that I could just give up caring at all for the cause of righteousness in our government leadership, and in hoping that Congress will do the right thing, especially as it applies to the U.S. Constitution. I'd bet there are many, many, MANY who feel the same way.
I am sorry you are disappointed but you must admit, the Republicans have shown some major spine in the last week on this that we haven't seen in a long, long time. According to Frist's statment, ALL options, including the nuclear one, are still on the table. The agreement doesn't change that. We have 3 judges that will be voted on and confirmed and I predict the other two will get a vote as well. If nothing else, the Republicans have seen, maybe for the first time, the true nature of their opponent. The fight will re-commence down the road. Our side will be stronger because of what happened today.
How does the nuke option exist if 7 turncoats can't be trusted to vote for it?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.