[NRG1973]

Can’t Senate Republicans filibuster anything that comes down in a lame duck session of Congress? Don’t lame duck sessions of Congress have to obtain cloture?

I’m a bit skeptical about these reports. I think they are an attempt to get the left wing base out for the election.

[pabianice]

Yes, and the two likely R wins over appointees means seating two more Rs immediately, so it would be 57-43 until January and the new congress.

[brownsfan]

“Can’t Senate Republicans filibuster anything that comes down in a lame duck session of Congress? “

Only if there is political will. I suspect things like HCR get passed because the opposition secretly doesn’t mind. In HCR that’s a huge transfer of wealth and power to the political class. If you’re part of the ruling elite, what’s not to like? And if you have plausible denyability when it’s passed, that’s a double bonus!

I never forget that Republicans are politicians too.

[faucetman]

The best way is to vote in Mark Kirk in Illinois and Christine O'Donnell in Delaware. They would BOTH be seated immediately giving Republicans 2 additional votes in the Senate and Dems 2 less. This is why Obama will campaign in these states, even in Delaware where (supposedly) O'Donnell is way behind.

[Stegall Tx]

Can’t Senate Republicans filibuster anything that comes down in a lame duck session of Congress? Don’t lame duck sessions of Congress have to obtain cloture?

Yeah, they can, but remember, by Senate rule, anything involving the budget can not be filibustered. Remember they threatened to invoke this rule in order to avoid a filibuster over Health Care? They will just invoke the rule once again.