My understanding of the procedural rules is that this is an extraordinary session since there’s been no actual bill that’s been introduced by either house. It appears that they are doing this backwards by, in effect, having an ersatz conference committee work on draft legislation that would be introduced in both houses. I don’t know how they can suspend the rules to prevent the rebel Republicans from introducing amendments in the House version. I also don’t know if there’s enough Republican opposition in the Senate to mount a filibuster.
At any rate, Pelosi and Reid would both have to get majorities to suspend the rules and squelch debate, once the bills reach the floors of the respective houses. I wish I were an expert on such things, but my understanding is that, short of suspending the rules allowing debate (i.e., throwing the modified Roberts Rules that both houses have adopted), they must allow debate to take place and they must allow amendments to be introduced (and voted up or down each time). That will bring this thing out in the open.
In other words, if I am correct, the only way for Pelosi and Reid to shove any version of this trash down the public’s throat without debate would require at least a public debate on suspending the rules. That by itself would mark a watershed moment in American history—a public debate on preventing the voice of the people to be heard through their elected representatives. Even more remarkable that this would take place on a measure that the American public, liberal and conservative, is opposed to by a 7-3 majority, at least. In other words, they risk insurrection. And also, I think by this point every person who has been paying attention is fully aware of the doomsday scenario that a full-blown financial collapse entails and they are still opposed to the plan.
It is the first time I have ever feared for the future of this great Republic—much more so than 9/11, as that at least momentarily a time of unity. Now I know why the phrase, “may you live in interesting times,” is supposed to be a curse.
Whatever plan they settle on, they won’t introduce it until they’re sure they have the votes to not only pass it, but defeat any proposed amendments that will come up once it’s hit the floor. It is a scary time, I’m still incensed that those avowed socialists almost rammed the Paulsen plan thru, waving and screaming about the boogeyman to distract us. Like the title of this thread says, G-d Bless Our House Republicans!
That by itself would mark a watershed moment in American history—a public debate on preventing the voice of the people to be heard through their elected representatives. Even more remarkable that this would take place on a measure that the American public, liberal and conservative, is opposed to by a 7-3 majority, at least. In other words, they risk insurrection. And also, I think by this point every person who has been paying attention is fully aware of the doomsday scenario that a full-blown financial collapse entails and they are still opposed to the plan.
It is the first time I have ever feared for the future of this great Republic—much more so than 9/11, as that at least momentarily a time of unity. Now I know why the phrase, “may you live in interesting times,” is supposed to be a curse.