Posted on 03/15/2005 12:22:27 PM PST by Sub-Driver
Democrats Threaten to Stop Senate Business if GOP Changes Rules on Judge Confirmations By David Espo The Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) - Democrats served notice Tuesday that they will slow or stop most Senate business if Republicans unilaterally change the rules to assure confirmation of President Bush's controversial court appointments.
Any such change would mark "an unprecedented abuse of power," Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., wrote Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn.
Reid, the Democratic leader, exempted military and national security legislation from the threat, and said Democrats would not block passage of measures needed to assure continuation of critical government services.
"To shut down the Senate would be irresponsible and partisan," Frist said in swift rebuttal. "The solution is simple: return to 200 years of tradition and allow up or down votes on judges."
The exchange marked the latest development in a long-simmering struggle over Bush's court appointments. Democrats blocked votes on 10 nominees during the last Congress, attacking them as too conservative to warrant lifetime appointments.
Accusing Democrats of obstruction, Republicans sought to make an issue of it in the elections last fall, in which they gained four seats.
Bush has already renominated some of the judges, and Reid has said previously the Democrats' position has not changed.
(Excerpt) Read more at ap.tbo.com ...
DEMOCRAT TANTRUM ALERT!!!!
Hm. Actually, they *can't* stop Senate business by leaving. In order to conduct serious business, the Senate must have a quorum. That's 51 Senators present.
We have 55.
Go ahead and leave, boys and girls. While you're gone, we'll pass all the bills you didn't want to have passed. (See the Korean War, and what happened when the Soviets left the Security Council.)
Harry Reid, make my day. Go ahead. Shut down the senate and finish off your dying party for good.
"Any such change would mark 'an unprecedented abuse of power,' Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., wrote Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn."
Cripes. They say that when Dubya accidentally leaves the toilet seat up, too.
But, this certainly stays the course of the 109th Congress being the one that wastes our money the fastest to date!
Do. Your. D@mn. Jobs.
What are these lunatics going to attempt when they don't have 40 Senators any more? I redict they will take hostages.and lock themselves in the cloak room (why do they need so many cloaks any way?)
Is Reid prepared to scratch Frist's eyes out too?
I look forward to this, I WANT this to happen. Please, Frist, just DO it!
Well he better find them, no matter what size they are and do the right thing here if he has any hope of running for president in 2008.
First, pass the energy bill. Including ANWAR Drilling. Then take this on.
Honestly, I've seen two-year-olds with better coping skills.
I stopped reading right there. There is enough bias in the first sentence to qualify this article as trash.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Democrats served notice Tuesday that they will slow or stop most Senate business if Republicans unilaterally change the rules to assure confirmation of President Bush's controversial court appointments.
Wanna Dance?
Let's dance!!
Well, all I know is I don't want ANYTHING infringing on the Michael Jackson coverage! (barf)
So its a two-fer!?!?! WHOO HOO!
What have the Demorats been doing until now for the past 4 years, but trying to obstruct anything constructive the Republicans have to offer our country? For further info, contact Tom Daschle in South Dakota.
Message to Dirty Harry Reid: Make our Day !!!!
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