Posted on 02/17/2007 12:01:58 PM PST by pissant
Senate gridlocks on Iraq war resolution
By DAVID ESPO, AP Special Correspondent
The Senate gridlocked on the Iraq war in a sharply worded showdown on Saturday as Republicans foiled a Democratic attempt to rebuke President Bush over his deployment of 21,500 additional combat troops.
The vote was 56-34. That was six short of the 60 needed to advance the measure, which is identical to a nonbinding resolution that Democrats pushed through the House on Friday.
"The Senate, on behalf of the American people, must make it clear to the commander in chief that he no longer has a rubber stamp in Iraq," said Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., in the final moments before the vote.
Republicans blasted him and the Democratic leadership for refusing to allow a vote on an alternative that ruled out any reduction in money for troops in the field.
"A vote in support of the troops that is silent on the question of funds is an attempt to have it both ways," said Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the GOP leader. "So we are asking for an honest and open debate."
The vote marked the second time this winter that Senate Republicans have blocked action on nonbinding measures critical of the presidents war policies. This time, however, there were signs of restlessness within the GOP.
Seven Republicans broke with their leadership, compared with only two on the previous test vote.
Also this time, the maneuvering concerned a nonbinding measure that disapproved of Bushs decision to deploy the additional troops and pledged to support and protect the troops
In the Senate, Reid has told lawmakers he will turn anti-terrorism legislation into a forum for debate over the war. He has met privately in recent days with fellow Democrats as the leadership plans its next move.
(Excerpt) Read more at sweetness-light.com ...
aka: The Usual Suspects.
..to think that I suggested at one time he might be a presidential or vp candidate--it was temporary insanity, Your Honor...
Meet the Senate's monkey butt surrender rinos.
Oh pshaw Mitch. Asking for an open and honest debate from Democrats is like asking a crack dealer to promise he'll return the contents of your wallet.
Hmm. Test votes on a non-binding resolution. That does show leadership....NOT!
Hello old friend, I just new you weren't dead, only in waiting for when the triumphant Donks were back in charge.
Amazing, isn't it. I am waiting for the day when the media dies, what a glorious celebration that will be. Do your part, cancel now, all print subscriptions. Spend the money on broadband.
Gridlock is good, all praise gridlock, all hail McConnell, finally a pubby with a pair.
Lieberman voted against cloture; i.e., to continue debate.
So there were 48 Democrat votes for cloture, (Johnson not voting) one Independent/Socialist -- Sanders (S, VT), and the 7 infamous Republicans. That makes 56. As long as Johnson doesn't vote & Lieberman sticks with the pro-debate, anti-cloture Republicans, I calculate that there would have to be 11 turncoat Republicans for cloture to pass.
Well, his blog site lists him as a Republican, but one never really knows anymore with RINOs.
"The Nebraska Republican has reached an agreement on a book deal with Ecco, an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers."
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
You listed six senators. Who is the seventh?
Good point, I do recall that GRIDLOCK had seemed to fall out of fashion. Must have been in the Lockbox. I guess they found the key.
Snowe, Olympia J. (ME)
Phone: (202) 224-5344
Fax: (202) 224-1946
He left out Olympia Snowe the other RINO from Maine......
bttt...
I understand folks like Collins, Snowe, Specter, and Hagel, but what the hell is up with John Warner? Does he just have a burr under his saddle about George W. Bush, personally?
There may be some animonsity towards President Bush from Senator Warner, but for the sake of this nation and our magnificent military, he needs to leave those animosities somewhere else!
All seven need to lose their positions on the various committees. Vote on it.
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