Senate Republicans succeeded early Thursday morning in finding two flaws in the House-passed Health Care reconciliation package. Neither is of any substance, but the Senate parliamentarian informed Democratic leaders that both are in violation of the Byrd Rule.
One is related to Pell Grants and the other makes small technical corrections. Why they’re in violation of the Byrd Rule doesn’t matter; the upshot is that Republicans will succeed in at least slightly altering the legislation, which means that the House is once again required to vote on it. With no substantial changes, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) should have little problem assembling the same coalition of 220 Democrats who passed the measure Sunday night.
After the Parliamentarian Alan Frumin had advised the leadership of his ruling, the Democratic and Republican leaders huddled on the Senate floor and agreed to adjourn until 9:45 a.m.
Shortly after 2:30 a.m., Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.), sitting in the presiding officer’s chair, asked if there was any objection to the adjournment. “I guess we’re adjourned,” said a punch-drunk Franken, hearing none.
“..., House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) should have little problem assembling the same coalition of 220 Democrats who passed the measure Sunday night.”
You never know. A few more bricks through windows and coffins on front lawns might kick start some integrity.
Al Franken actually presiding over the U.S. Senate...
holy mackeral, what has the country come to.
Next thing, PeeWee Herman will be the parliamentarian.
Why do they give that ahole the gavel?
2:30 AM?
I don’t know if Franken was punch-drunk at that hour,
as he used to stay up that late when he was on SNL,
hearing objections from the girls he was trying to put the make on.