Mitch McConnell: Democrats are ducking Senate rules (by ending the reading of a 767-page amendment)

Politico ^ | 12/16/09 | MANU RAJU

[Libloather]

Mitch McConnell: Democrats are ducking Senate rules
By MANU RAJU | 12/16/09 6:32 PM EST

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) accused Democrats Wednesday of circumventing Senate rules by ending the reading of a 767-page amendment without permission from other members of the body.

Earlier Wednesday, Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) forced Senate clerks to read an amendment by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) that would have established a single-payer health care system. The reading paralyzed the Senate until the third hour, when Sanders withdrew the amendment. At that point, the Senate carried on with debating the health care bill, which Democrats are furiously trying to complete before Christmas.

But McConnell said that Democrats "somehow convinced the parliamentarian to break with the long-standing precedent and practice of the Senate" by withdrawing the amendment without asking for unanimous consent. Had Democrats asked for unanimous consent to withdraw the amendment, the GOP could have objected – and stalled the Senate for the rest of the day.

McConnell took to the floor and read from the Senate rules, arguing that consent is required from all members to dispense with the reading of the amendment, a typically routine request.

"It’s now clear the majority is willing to do anything to jam through a 2000-page bill before the American people or any of us has had a chance to read it—including changing the rules in the middle of the game," McConnell said on the Senate floor.

Jim Manley, spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), said there is a 1992 precedent that provides that a senator has a right to withdraw an amendment during its reading.

"End of story," Manley said.

But McConnell said that the 1992 episode was a "mistake," and he cited another mistake: the infamous 1856 incident where Massachusetts Sen. Charles Sumner was caned by South Carolina Rep. Preston S. Brooks in the Senate chamber.

"If mistakes were the rule, the caning of senators would be in order," McConnell said with a grin. "Fortunately for all of us, it is not."

Manley said: "They are upset because they were thwarted in their latest stunt to derail health reform."

"The rules of the Senate are clear," Manley added. "Any senator can withdraw his amendment prior to the yeas and nays being requested. That is what happened in this case. Parliamentary Rules 101. Nothing biased or changed about that."

[freekitty]

I saw to the Republicans. Continue. You are on a roll.

[mwl8787]

Folks, all of the strategic moves are being orchestrated by McConnell and the GOP leadership - including today’s move by Coburn. The GOP is doing a great job of standing together.

The worry now is that Reid has just enough time to ramm this thru on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. I’m not kidding. The RATS believe most normal American families will be too distracted to care.

RING THE PHONES off the hook 202-224-3121 and beg everyone you know to call. If the public doesn’t rise up, we will lose.

[chris_bdba]

Yep I agree I want the whole bill read on the floor before any voting takes place!

[Secret Agent Man]

Now push for them to read the 2000 page bill.

Wouldn’t it be great if someone withdrew that bill the same way they did the amendment?

[JSDude1]

At least we have one man with the guts to FORCE the libs into retreat through ALL means necessary: Can we rename Sen. Coburn “Senator No” taken crown from Senator Helms (since he is no longer with us)..!

[JSDude1]

EXACTLY WE HAVE GOT TO GO TO WAR (LEGISLATIVELY SPEAKING). BE OBSTINANT AND NONSCHALANT IF THE MEDIA AND DEMOCRATS GET MAD AT US!~ That’s how we should fight!~~

[Eagle Eye]

So the Dems break the rules. Who’d’ve thunk it?

[longhorn too]

Rules, we don’t have to abide by any steeken rules!

[Liz]

Mmm, mm, mmm....sounds good to me........... "If mistakes were the rule, the caning of senators would be in order."

[stephenjohnbanker]

What is the legal remedy if the Democrats refuse to abide by the rules, and allow the full reading?

Thank you in advance.

[Landru]

"'End of story,' Manley said."

Get that resume' in order Girly, because it is indeed the end of your story.
2010 pal, be there or be square. LOL

"But McConnell said that the 1992 episode was a 'mistake,' and he cited another mistake: the infamous 1856 incident where Massachusetts Sen. Charles Sumner was caned by South Carolina Rep. Preston S. Brooks in the Senate chamber."

~sigh~
Just imagine how right things c/would be if only we didn't feature ourselves so civilized. LOL

[Liz]

Dems are in the majority-—they figure they don’t have to answer to anyone or anything.

They forget all America is watching-—and will take their revenge at the polls.

[Condor51]

*** Mmm, mm, mmm....sounds good to me........... "If mistakes were the rule, the caning of senators would be in order." ***

I think it's a great idea. However, my idea of 'Caning' isn't exactly 'textbook'.

When I think of 'caning', I think of a movie with James Caan where he was a CIA hitman. After getting shot - 'kneecapped' and stuff, he needed a Wooden Cane to walk. He also used it as a weapon. Like the Japanese or Filipinos who 'Stick Fight'.

Due to my screwed up knees, sometimes I 'need' to use a Wooden Cane. And like James Caan in the movie, my 'cane' ain't just for walking ;-)