Let's Hear it for Webb, Dems; Senate meets briefly to block Bush Torture Appointee

[tekisui]

WASHINGTON - The House was quiet as a mouse the day after Christmas. But across the Capitol, the Senate was operating in an unusually efficient manner in its ongoing power struggle with President Bush.

A nine-second session gaveled in and out by Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., prevented Bush from appointing as an assistant attorney general a nominee roundly rejected by majority Democrats. Without the pro forma session, the Senate would be technically adjourned, allowing the president to install officials without Senate confirmation.

The business of blocking Bush's recess appointments was serious. It represents an institutional standoff between Congress and the president that could repeat itself during Congress' vacations for the remainder of Bush's presidency.

(snip)

Before Congress left last week, Democrats scheduled 11 pro forma sessions to fill the void until the Senate returns to regular session on Jan. 22. The purpose was to stop Bush from using the constitutional power presidents hold under the Constitution to bypass Senate confirmation and unilaterally install his nominees in office when Congress is adjourned.

Democrats wanted to block one such recess appointment in particular: Steven Bradbury, acting chief of the Justice Department's Office of Legislative Counsel. Bush nominated Bradbury for the job and asked the Senate to remove the "acting" in his title.

Democrats would have none of it, complaining Bradbury had signed two secret memos in 2005 saying it was OK for the CIA to use harsh interrogation techniques — some call it torture — on terrorism detainees.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said Bush refused to rule out appointing Bradbury to the job if the Senate formally adjourned. So, Reid decided to keep the Senate in session with pro forma meetings every two or three days.

link: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071226/ap_on_go_co/quick_senate

[maddezmom]

1. thank you Sen Webb

:thumbsup:

[porphyrian]

2. Yay, they did the least I expect them to do once more. -n/t

[DS1]

3. no kidding

if someone didn't show up for 10 seconds of work it would be the pinnacle of how spineless they've been so far

[Lucinda]

4. :)

[Cha]

5. Rec'd~ Those memos bradbury

signed in 2005 weren't so secret after all.

[C_U_L8R]

6. Our president is a child

and it's a good thing congress is treating him like a child.

Now when will they treat him like the criminal he is?

[gateley]

7. And even Reid was supportive of this. Thanks, guys!!! nt

[MonkeyFunk]

8. Other Senators will be sharing the duties

Kennedy, Dorgan, Landrieu, Schumer and a few others.

And of course, kudos to Harry Reid for organizing it.

[Olney Blue]

9. Senator Webb, I want you on that wall!