Rethugs are using an 'esoteric procedural tactic' that could send the HCR bill back to committee

[Are_grits_groceries]

Roll Call notes that Senate Republicans "may not have the physical numbers to filibuster the Democrats' health care reform bill, but they have wasted little time in using the Senate's rules to their utmost advantage in their quest to trip up consideration of the measure."

For instance, instead of offering a conventional amendment to the bill this week, Republicans used "an esoteric procedural tactic" that would send the bill back to committee with instructions to eliminate certain cuts. If successful, Republicans would force Democrats to "hold another filibuster-killing vote on whether to restart debate on the bill."

"Republicans said they are likely to use the procedural tactic repeatedly during debate this month as they seek to make the point that the Senate should go back to the drawing board on the health care bill."

http://thepoliticalcarnival.blogspot.com/

If they succeed with this tactic, they can send the bill back a lot. Assholes.

[ixion]

1. If it's within the rules, it might be annoying, but

it's up to the dems to use the rules as well.

[Winterblues]

3. It is fairly obvious Democrats are not much aware of how the rules are used.

Remember the eight years of the Bush* Cabal? When did Democratic Senators ever try such a tactic? :shrug:

[ixion]

4. exactly

they were a wildly ineffective minority. The rethugs, despite their many short comings, play hardball to the dems softball. It would make me very proud to see them actually fight back.

[Romulox]

2. Meh. Sounds like it's the game that's rotten.

What point is there in blaming the playa?

Bottom line: the filibuster is anti-democratic and unfair. It can be changed on a simple majority vote. The Democrats don't have any intention on doing that, however.

[BonnieJW]

5. I want to know why the DEMS never knew about these

procedures.