While whining about use of procedure, the GOP is still pulling every available procedure out of its behind to stand in the way of progress. I don't care what they do -- YES WE CAN and WILL PASS THIS BILL -- GOP to force vote on 'deem and pass' strategy
By Ben Pershing
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2010/03/gop-to-force-vote-on-deem-and.htmlJust in case the process for passing health care wasn't confusing enough already,
House Republicans announced a plan Tuesday that would force Democrats to vote on whether they should have a vote.Adding a wrinkle to the ongoing war of words between the two parties over the propriety of using the "deem and pass" strategy for the Senate health care bill, the GOP will introduce a resolution "ensuring an up-or-down vote" on the Senate bill following "at least one hour of debate" on the measure.
Rep. Parker Griffith (Ala.) -- who switched from Democrat to Republican in December primarily because of his opposition to health reform -- is expected to introduce the resolution Tuesday, according to GOP aides. Democrats could move to table the measure or refer it to committee, but no matter what, lawmakers will have to take some sort of vote this week on the question of whether the proposed strategy should be allowed.
"By supporting this resolution, Democrats can demonstrate that they will not try to hide from their constituents," Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) said.
Democrats continued to point out that Republicans used self-executing rules dozens of times while they were in the majority, and suggested Republicans were trying to distract from the real discussion of what's actually in the reform bill.
"If you don't want to talk about substance, talk about process," Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said.