GOP Senators Refusing To Work Past 2PM, Invoking Obscure Rule - Huffington Post

[JohnWxy]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/24/gop-senators-refusing-to_n_511639.html

Senate Republicans fuming over the passage of health care reform are now refusing to work past 2 p.m. -- a tactic they can employ by invoking a little-known Senate rule.

On Wednesday, the Judiciary Committee was forced to cancel a hearing as was the Senate Armed Services Committee.

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"For months, Senate Republicans have resisted efforts to enact important reforms to our health insurance system. But when the dust settles and the emotions are calmed, history will show that President Obama and this Congress responded to a pressing national issue, and proved once again that we can act with the purpose of advancing an important national interest. Sadly, actions like today's objections from Senate Republicans to the consideration of a highly qualified, historic nominee will be viewed as little more than petty, partisan politics."

Jim Manley, a spokesperson for Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), objected to the objection. "For a second straight day, Republicans are using tricks to shut down several key Senate committees. So let me get this straight: in retaliation for our efforts to have an up-or-down vote to improve health care reform, Republicans are blocking an Armed Services committee hearing to discuss critical national security issues among other committee meetings? These political games and obstruction have to stop -- the American people expect and deserve better."
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It seems to me without a credible reason for ALL Republicans to say they can't work past 2 PM this is deliberate and open obstruction of Government business. Seems like this could be handled appropriately under the law. If certain members are under arrest, seems like committee meetings can go forward. The Republicans aren't doing anything constructive anyway. Who needs them?

[rfranklin]

1. Time to change the rules...

I believe that it is a viable option.

[SharonRB]

2. They're still in session and it's 3:30

Judd Gregg is speaking now.

[LiberalFighter]

3. Those that refuse to work past 2 pm should have their salary returned.

And this needs to be used full force against Republicans in the general election.

[Sherman A1]

4. So just go on without them....

if they don't want to work beyond 2pm fine, but I bet they will do so if the Democrats stay.

[RaleighNCDUer]

10. There would be enough Dems to make a quorum without them,

so let them go away and have NO input in the business of Congress.

[valerief]

5. Is this treasonous activity? nt

[thereismore]

6. Let all nation go home after 2PM. nt

[fatbuckel]

7. We should outlaw Republicans

again I say.

[Donnachaidh]

8. then put them on an hourly wage.

Wanna fuck around with rules? Okay, we'll figure out what your salary would be as an hourly wage and every hour you refuse to work during a nine to five shift -- your hairy ass gets DOCKED. AND any hours not worked you also lose benefits - if you're not working, they shouldn't be accruing.

Give them a taste of what it's like for the working class.

[rocktivity]

9. Nancy Pelosi should start the day three hours earlier then

Or proceed without them. If she'd gone ballistic about them shouting out, it probably wouldn't have gone this far.

And to think that barely 24 hours ago I posted that I've seen more decorum in a day care center.

x(
rocktivity

[yurbud]

11. I don't think you want to go with the Tom Delay precedent and try to arrest them

better to use it in campaign ads against them--make them all crybabies or the spoiled brat who knocks over the checker board after losing a game.