Democrats warn Tillerson to loop Congress in or face legislative blowback

[DonViejo]

Source: Politico




By NAHAL TOOSI 12/06/2017 09:49 AM EST

Senate Democrats are demanding that Secretary of State Rex Tillerson lift a hiring freeze, nominate more candidates for vacant diplomatic slots and share much more detail with Congress about his plan to restructure the State Department.

If Tillerson doesn't step up his cooperation with Capitol Hill, the lawmakers warn, they'll use legislation to force him. The demands were conveyed in a stern and lengthy letter to Tillerson dated Wednesday and signed by all 10 Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, including ranking member Ben Cardin of Maryland.

The letter, shared first with POLITICO, is the latest sign of growing concern in Congress about the future of U.S. diplomacy under President Donald Trump. The missive also illustrates the growing unhappiness with Tillerson in Congress, where even some Republicans have questioned the merits of his plans for the State Department.

In the letter, the Democrats nod to reports of sinking morale in the State Department, where many top officials have quit and others have felt sidelined in the policy-making process since Tillerson took over in February.

Read more: https://www.politico.com/story/2017/12/06/tillerson-state-democrats-congress-281933

[BumRushDaShow]

1. "they'll use legislation to force him"

I guess they have to "go on the record" saying this because those 10 Democrats are completely powerless and can't generate any "legislation" unless some GOPer on that committee agrees to even bother holding a meeting to mark any up, let alone help vote it out of committee, and have Turtle actually bother putting it on the schedule for debate.... and then have it pass the Senate and actually go through the same process in the House and expect Drumpf to sign it.

I.e., nothing will happen.

[COLGATE4]

2. "They'll use legislation to force him". Part II

Remember the sanctions against Russia that Congress voted and Dumpy (reluctantly) signed many months ago? The sanctions that haven't been put in place since?

[BumRushDaShow]

3. Depending on what happens next Tuesday

that might determine whether sanctions eventually get lifted.

[mpcamb]

4. I'm fearful they'll use "stern and lengthy letters."

[BumRushDaShow]

5. That's all they'll have. nt