Democrats seek to eliminate filibuster for (Guess What) preventing Social Security cuts

[KoKo]

Democrats seek to eliminate filibuster for… preventing Social Security cuts
by: Chris Bowers
Mon Nov 23, 2009 at 20:01

One of the reasons that some progressives use to argue against eliminating the filibuster is that the filibuster is the only reason Social Security wasn't handed over to Wall Street in Bush's privatization scheme.

Well, its time to forget that idea. A group of Democratic Senators are now working to eliminate the filibuster for--wait for it--legislation that would cut Social Security. Emphasis mine:

Senators from both parties on Tuesday put new pressure on Speaker Nancy Pelosi to turn the power to trim entitlement benefits over to an independent commission.(...)

Among its chief responsibilities would be closing the gap between tax revenue coming in and the larger cost of paying for Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits. The Government Accountability Office recently reported the gap is on pace to reach an "unsustainable" $63 trillion in 2083.

The panel would also have the power to craft legislation that would change the tax code and set limits on government spending.

The legislation would then be subject to an up-or-down vote; it could not be amended.

15 Democratic Senators are backing this idea:

A group of 15 Democratic senators say they will not vote for deficit-boosting legislation unless the commission is created.

So, there is already a majority in the Senate for removing the filibuster for Social Security.

At this point, a minimum of 56 Democratic Senators are needed to keep this commission from coming into existence. As the Senate forecast from earlier today showed, Republicans have a pretty good chance to gain four seats in the Senate in 2010. They will also gain seats in the House, where lots of Blue Dogs are eager to support this commission as well. President Obama also supports the commission:

More at.....
http://www.openleft.com/diary/16172/democrats-seek-to-eliminate-filibuster-for-social-security-cuts

[madfloridian]

1. Maybe if we get a real majority we can save Social Security.

:shrug:

[msongs]

2. the adminstration has 100's of billions for wars without end....what would jesus do Mr Obama? nt

[Undercurrent]

3. Make no sense.

"Senators from both parties on Tuesday put new pressure on Speaker Nancy Pelosi..."

Pelosi is a Senator now? Gee, must have slept through that. :crazy: