I think we are going to love our healthier majorities on The Hill!!! :kick: :applause: :kick:
WASHINGTON - In a rare Sunday session, the Senate advanced legislation that would set aside more than 2 million acres in nine states as wilderness. Majority Democrats assembled more than enough votes to overcome GOP stalling tactics in an early showdown for the new Congress.
Republicans complained that Democrats did not allow amendments on the massive bill, which calls for the largest expansion of wilderness protection in 25 years. But Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and other Democrats said the bill — a holdover from last year — was carefully written and included measures sponsored by both Republicans and Democrats.
By a 66-12 vote, with only 59 needed to limit debate, lawmakers agreed to clear away procedural hurdles despite partisan wrangling that had threatened pledges by leaders to work cooperatively as the new Obama administration takes office. Senate approval is expected later this week. Supporters hope the House will follow suit.
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The bill's chief opponent, Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla.,
denounced what he called Democratic bullying tactics. :cry:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28605584/#storyContinuedSpeaking of using a bully pulpit, Senator Coburn's lame tantrum's last year twice created a one-vote procedural hold on the passing of this legislation. Guess what Coburn.... your hissy fits are now set on ignore. Enjoy getting :spank: