Elizabeth Warren is not just our Senator, she's our champion. And since the American people have resoundingly elected Democrats to the White House and Senate (though gerrymandering has helped the GOP hold the House for now), it is time for … [Read more...]
Will Senator Brown vote for sensible filibuster reform?
I'm reading that the Senate's votes on filibuster reform are likely to happen today. Senator Mark Udall of Colorado has introduced these proposals: No filibuster on a motion to proceed: An idea put forth by Senator Michael Bennet and … [Read more...]
Shame on Kerry
When I pointed out that this was blackmail, the man on the phone agreed and said that Kerry was trying to make the compromise "better". When I pointed out that you can't make the compromise "better" unless you … [Read more...]
PROTEST Monday at Noon in front of Senator Scott Brown’s office
Senator Brown helped kill extended unemployment benefits As a result of Senator Scott Brown's vote, almost ONE MILLION unemployed Americans will have no income. 10,000 people a week are being cut off in Massachusetts. Here is the … [Read more...]
Republicans block unemployment extension – 900,000 left with no income
Republicans block unemployment leaving 900,000 with no income and no where to turn. Using the filibuster to leave Americans destitute and by the side of the road is WRONG. Will some older workers need to draw against social security earlier … [Read more...]
Lieberman Filibusters Cute Puppies
Sen. Nelson's objection stems from his belief that the Puppy Bill does not do enough to prevent the procurement of abortions with puppy funds. The Senate recently voted down an amendment which would have strengthened prohibitions on … [Read more...]
Avoiding a prolonged senate seat vacancy
The problem is that Massachusetts is now a state where a special election must be called before a senate vacancy can be filled. I'm sure someone on BMG will know just how long this vacancy is likely to persist, but I believe it will take … [Read more...]
Time for Obama to Stop the Games
Cross-post note: This also appears at Marry in Massachusetts. Nuclear background. Even Wikipedia has brought clarity to the often mentioned en passant nuclear option. Its great recap of this arcane procedural ploy includes:The Nuclear … [Read more...]
Let’s Just Make Mitch McConnell President And Be Done With It
Right after the election I wrote a post suggesting an end to Senate Rule XXII, the filibuster. It garnered a few comments, most thoughtful and skeptical, some dotty-such as asserting that the filibuster is not un-democratic. We now need to … [Read more...]
If Only….
I've criticized the Democrats' failure to use the filibuster and their failure to call the bluff of Republicans who threaten to filibuster. This tactic, like Senator Tom Coburn's use of the hold, is vital to bringing democracy back into … [Read more...]