Senate Republicans Filibuster Defense Spending Bill — Then Deny They Did It

[babylonsister]

http://washingtonindependent.com/71469/senate-republicans-filibuster-defense-spending-bill-then-deny-they-did-it

Senate Republicans Filibuster Defense Spending Bill — Then Deny They Did It
By Mike Lillis 12/18/09 12:10 PM


At this point in the health-reform debate, observers are well aware that the Republican strategy is to delay the vote as long as possible, even if it means dragging out debate on unrelated bills that GOP leaders support. That agenda was on display in October, when it took nearly a month to push through an extension of unemployment benefits that ultimately passed 98 to 0. And it’s on display today, as Republicans are forcing a long-drawn debate on a defense spending bill that every member of the party will eventually vote for.

The tactic forced Democratic leaders to stage a 1 a.m. cloture vote this morning on the defense bill, in hopes of passing the final bill tomorrow morning and moving back to the health-care debate. Forcing that cloture vote is the working definition of a filibuster. And yet GOP leaders have had the temerity to argue that (1) they didn’t filibuster the defense bill and (2) the Democrats are behind all the delays. This isn’t spin — it’s lying. From Roll Call:

Senate Armed Services Chairman Carl Levin (D-Mich.) accused Republicans of attempting to filibuster the Defense bill, which includes funding for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, in an effort to block work on the health care bill. <...>

Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (Ariz.) and other Republicans, however, sought to place the blame for the funding delay on Democrats, accusing them of dragging their feet in bringing the bill to the floor and arguing they are prepared to pass the bill.

“I find it rather curious that our colleague … is accusing Republicans of filibustering this Defense appropriations bill. Republicans don’t control the Senate or the House. The House just passed this bill Wednesday. Now, it could have been passed in October or September,” Kyl said, adding that, “We always vote for the Defense appropriations bill.”

Moments later, Kyl refused an attempt to pass the defense bill immediately by unanimous consent. Hours later, he voted against bringing the Defense bill to a final vote.

In a perfect world, the Republicans voting with Kyl would be forced to explain why they sought to kill the bill providing troop funding in the middle of two wars.

[DrDan]

1. the R's are making us look foolish - and inept

[babylonsister]

2. Huh? How do their actions make us look foolish? nt

[DrDan]

5. voters will see the D's as incapable of leading and legislatiing

[babylonsister]

9. Nope...GOP Hail Mary On Troop Funding Fails

GOP Hail Mary On Troop Funding Fails
Brian Beutler | December 18, 2009, 11:49AM


With funds for the troops fast running out, and the clock ticking towards a deadline on healthcare, Republicans tried to block a key defense spending bill last night in order to delay Senate debate on a major health reform bill.

Of the 40 Republicans members in the Senate, only three voted with all 60 Democrats to end the filibuster of the defense bill.

The filibuster in and of itself delays debate on the health care bill by 30 hours. But the hope was that the filibuster would succeed forcing Democrats to waste yet another day in order to pass an emergency spending measure.

As it happens, though, Democrats ended the filibuster. And now, the Republicans will have to live down new, unfriendly talking points.


more...

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/12/gop-hail-mary-on-troop-funding-fails.php?ref=fpb

[MineralMan]

4. Not at all. They're doing it to themselves. If we will just point out that

they are now obstruction funds for our troops overseas, this can be turned to our benefit. Call them out. Make them explain themselves. Let them attempt to justify this.

[MineralMan]

3. Call them out on their obstructionism, loudly and proudly.

Call it for what it is, a denial of funding to our loyal troops. Put it directly on the GOOPers and put it to them hard.

[old guy]

6. This is just like everything else.

It all depends on how it is presented by the corporate media.

[Tippy]

7. Only three Republicans were against a filibuster

Sen. Russell Feingold, an opponent of the war usually refuses to support even procedural votes on war funding, indeicated he would vote with other Democrats, the applause was so loud it could be hear out in the hall...he later said something like I will not be a part of a partisan effort to delay passage of defense spending in order to keep Senate from working on HCR..

heard this on early morning news....

[ellie]

11. Very nice!

Thanks for posting this! I don't watch the news and rely on the kindness of strangers to fill me in.

[Bitwit1234]

8. Well when you have the media behind you

100% in reporting the story the way you want it to be, the republicans don't have to worry. They come out smelling like a rose. How does the public know what they are doing when CNN,ABC, CBS and the rest give the republicans the good guy spot.

[jillan]

10. I watched it with my own eyes - Durbin wanted the vote taken immediately. The Repugs are lying!!!!!