TPM: Warner introducing nonbinding version of Webb's amendment. Didn't tell Webb first.

[flpoljunkie]

http://tpmelectioncentral.com/2007/09/source_warner_introducing_nonbinding_version_of_webb_amendement_didnt_tell_webb.php

Breaking: Warner Introducing Non-Binding Version Of Webb Amendement -- But Didn't Even Tell Webb First

By Greg Sargent - September 19, 2007, 12:22PM

There's been a new twist in the battle over Jim Webb's troop readiness bill: It was just announced on the Senate floor that Senator John Warner -- who had been wavering in his support of Webb's amendment -- is planning to introduce his own, nonbinding version of Webb's measure.

But here's the rub: According to a source close to Webb, Warner didn't even inform his fellow Senator that he was planning to do this. Webb was totally surprised when he heard the announcement, the source tells us.

Just a few minutes ago, Senator McCain, who's overseeing today's activities as the senior Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced on the floor that Warner would be introducing a "sense of Congress" amendment on troop readiness. A "sense of Congress" amendment is nonbinding -- it's not a law, it's an expression of Congress' opinion.

Thus, this allows Warner to express his opinion that the Webb measure -- giving troops rest time equal to their time in combat -- is merely a good idea, without putting it into law.

This would seem to suggest that Warner has decided to oppose the Webb amendment itself, which unlike Warner's new measure would put increased troop rest periods into law, meaning it would actually happen.

The source close to Webb confirmed that despite the fact that Warner had been in private talks with Webb about possibly supporting his measure, he decided to introduce the nonbinding measure without telling Webb. "We had no idea," the source tell us. "No idea."

Needless to say, this doesn't bode well for Webb's measure.

[Tarheel_Dem]

1. I have never fully understood the purpose of the "non-binding"

resolutions. The title says it all "non-binding", which means (*) can just ignore it as he always does. It's kinda like testifying before Congress, and not taking the oath....what's the point?

[pscot]

2. It's an absolutely fundamental device

that alows members to endorse a popular position without consequences. It's called "Having it both ways".

[rateyes]

3. Senator Warner is

an asshole.

[flpoljunkie]

4. Senator Warner is a coward.

[rateyes]

5. Senator Warner is

a coward and an asshole. Of course, the (R) beside his name tells us all that.

[SaveOurDemocracy]

6. They have NO shame!!!

Warner is a coward, asshole AND a backstabbing partisan pile of shit.