One insane Senate procedure used to preserve another insane Senate procedure (DeMint border amend.)

Washington Post ^ | May 14, 2010 | Ezra Klein

[FTJM]

One insane Senate procedure used to preserve another insane Senate procedure

You know about secret holds, right? Where a senator can block consideration of an item without publicly revealing that he or she is the one blocking consideration of that item? Yesterday afternoon, Ron Wyden and Chuck Grassley were all set to bring a bipartisan amendment to the floor that would end the practice, or at least try to, by attaching language to the financial-regulation bill that would kill off secret holds.

Then Jim DeMint stood up.

Secret holds are just one of many insane Senate traditions that can be used to impede progress. In an effort to preserve them, DeMint used another. He attached a "secondary amendment" to the Wyden/Grassley amendment. Now, if you voted for the amendment to end secret holds, you'd also be voting for an amendment establishing a border fence. Democrats obviously weren't interested in that. At the same time, Republicans were afraid of seeming like they'd voted against a border fence, particularly now that DeMint has taken to intervening in Republican primaries left and right (or, I guess, right and righter). Wyden had to withdraw the amendment, and he was not happy.

[elephant]

I am glad the Pubblies are at least trying some Rat tricks!

[Big_Harry]

DeMint/Bachmann 2012!

[savedbygrace]

Did Klein ever criticize the Dims for placing secret holds on bills when they were in the minority? Ever?

Or is it only bad when Republicans do it?

[VRWC For Truth]

Repeal the 17th Amendment and send all 100 of the little petty tyrants packing.

[Artemis Webb]

Wooooooooooo Hoooooooooo
I picked the right tag line!!

[Scotsman will be Free]

Go get ‘em Jimmy!

[FTJM]

When the Democrats play hardball it’s good politics. When Republicans play hardball it’s mean spirited and unfair.

[Walrus]

To quote Sean Hannity, “Jim DeMint...you’re a great American!”

[okie01]

Did Klein ever criticize the Dims for placing secret holds on bills when they were in the minority? Ever?

Has the little twerp ever criticized any Democrat? For anything? Ever?

And he's not going to, either.

[ARepublicanForAllReasons]

Ron Wyden is... Ugh! my Senator. He is totally in the tank for Obama and all his legislation.
But what about this 'secret hold' thing? I am not familiar with it. Can you or any FReeper post a simple explanation? Anything Wyden supports is automatically suspect in my book. I phone and email him, and he responds with automated emails that begin "Ron Wyden, working tirelessly for middle class Oregonians...etc." BARF!

So this secret hold issue has got me wondering. Is it a long time Senate tradition? Is the hold permanent? If it is what it sounds like on the surface, why can't any Republican Senator put cap-and-trade on hold? Or why didn't we stop ObamaCare?

Thanks.

[FTJM]

Light on history and use but...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secret_hold

[ARepublicanForAllReasons]

Thanks, FTJM. Just the info I needed.

This motion is clearly intended to augment the majority power the Dems hold in the Senate. And, as usual, Ron Wyden is carrying water for 0bambi.
I really think Wyden wants to be SML some day. He's all for amnesty, which would keep his seat safe for...ever!?!? (Hope not!)

[FTJM]

Now they’re on record pulling an amendment because of border security.

[FTJM]

bttt