Anyone else getting a phone call requesting that you call your Senator

[The Backlash Cometh]

regarding the bill that will stop the Republican minority from obstructing Democratic legislation? Anyone know about this bill?

[gateley]

1. No -- who made the call? nt

[The Backlash Cometh]

3. It came from Washington per caller I.d.

202-263-4541.

I was surprised because the robo-call said they could direct me to my Senator's number by dialing "0." I didn't like the fact that I couldn't research it first. It was definitely intended for Democrats, but, I've been called by Republican media research companies before under false pretenses, so I thought I would look into it first.

[emulatorloo]

4. was is saying to get your Senator to vote FOR or VOTE AGAINST?

See my post below on what the call referred to.

If "Against" if was probably from a Republican Lobbying Firm.

[The Backlash Cometh]

5. I'm pretty sure it was in favor of the bill.

[emulatorloo]

8. McConnell and The Lobbyists are screaming bloody murder about this

They are very upset about it. It is going to make filibustering "Hard Work" - none of this easy "all we have to do is vote against cloture" nonsense they've abused the last couple years.

Basically it is a rule change, Senate can change the rules with a simple majority on the first day of a new session. Sounds like Dems are still hammering out the final details, but Reid is able to extend the "first day of business" up to two weeks by a procedural method.

[The Backlash Cometh]

11. So, if I want to call my Senator

I should call it the filibuster bill and ask him to vote for it?

[gateley]

6. I understand your hesitancy. It sounds good, but wouldn't a reputable Dem organization

identify themselves? Hello, this is Jim Dean at Democrats for America -- something like that.

[The Backlash Cometh]

7. That's the problem with robo-calls.

Unless it's an organization you recognize, it doesn't stick.

[emulatorloo]

9. Agreed - they need to identify who they are and who they are working for.

[gateley]

10. True - and you're hit with it right up front so your mind is registering "robo call"

while they're identifying themselves. And the thing is with the Democratic-friendly sounding names the Republicans use, we really need to look into who is requesting our help.

[emulatorloo]

2. Fillibuster Reform. My guess is Lobbying Firms are behind the calls

The package aims to end "Secret Holds" which apparently Lobbying Firms were selling to their clients.

Also requires that you actually drag your Sorry Fat Republican Ass into the Senate Chamber and Explain Yourself if you want to filibuster something (like in the Old Mr. Smith Goes TO Washington Days)

I'll run grap you a link

EDIT:

Here it is: The filibuster reform package!
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=433&topic_id=584858&mesg_id=584858

From the source the poster refers to:


<SNIP>

Here's a summary of the main items, also provided by a Udall aide:

Clear Path to Debate: Eliminate the Filibuster on Motions to Proceed

Makes motions to proceed not subject to a filibuster, but provides for two hours of debate. This proposal has had bipartisan support for decades and is often mentioned as a way to end the abuse of holds.

Eliminates Secret Holds

Prohibits one Senator from objecting on behalf of another, unless he or she discloses the name of the senator with the objection. This is a simple solution to address a longstanding problem.

Right to Amend: Guarantees Consideration of Amendments for both Majority and Minority

Protects the rights of the minority to offer amendments following cloture filing, provided the amendments are germane and have been filed in a timely manner.

This provision addresses comments of Republicans at last year's Rules Committee hearings. Each time Democrats raised concerns about filibusters on motions to proceed, Republicans responded that it was their only recourse because the Majority Leader fills the amendment tree and prevents them from offering amendments. Our resolution provides a simple solution -- it guarantees the minority the right to offer germane amendments.

Talking Filibuster: Ensures Real Debate

Following a failed cloture vote, Senators opposed to proceeding to final passage will be required to continue debate as long as the subject of the cloture vote or an amendment, motion, point of order, or other related matter is the pending business.

Expedite Nominations: Reduce Post-Cloture Time

Provides for two hours of post-cloture debate time for nominees. Post cloture time is meant for debating and voting on amendments -- something that is not possible on nominations. Instead, the minority now requires the Senate use this time simply to prevent it from moving on to other business.

<SNIP>