[sunmars]

They have no business passing a bill that has not passed the house, that is not procedure, the bill failed in the house and so technically and legally is dead in the water and cannot be passed to the Senate.

[Paleo Conservative]

They have no business passing a bill that has not passed the house, that is not procedure, the bill failed in the house and so technically and legally is dead in the water and cannot be passed to the Senate.

Since when have Kerry or Clinton worried about constitutional restrictions?

[Constitution Day]

Absolutely right. You would think those two “senior statesmen” (gag) would know that.

[9YearLurker]

Why can’t the legislation be introduced in the Senate instead? (I’m not for it either way.)

[SeeSharp]

A bill can originate in either house unless it is a revenue bill. So the Senate can give away billions and then wait for the House to raise taxes later.

[CaptainMorgantown]

The only bills which must originate in the House are tax measures. The Senate can start work on it's own version, if it likes. Usually, it is easier for a majority party to get the bill they want through the House first, and then make compromises in the Senate to avoid a fillibuster, but in this case, it may be easier to get a bill through the Senate, with 2/3 of the Senators not facing reelection in 5 weeks.

Its no coincidence that Clinton and Kerry are pushing for a quick passage. They represent New York and Boston, which are heavily dependent on the financial industry.