Posted on 06/07/2012 9:15:50 AM PDT by Bubba_Leroy
A frustrated Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said he and other Democrats would likely push for changes to Senate filibuster rules if the Democrats hold the Senate in November, and blamed Republican obstructionism for forcing these changes.
"I'll just bet you … if we maintain a majority, and I feel quite confident that we can do that, and the president is reelected, there is going to be some changes," Reid said on the Senate floor Thursday morning. "We can no longer go through this, every bill, filibusters on bills that they agree with. It's just a waste of time to prevent us from getting things done."
Reid was frustrated over Thursday's planned 10:30 a.m. procedural vote on the farm bill — specifically, a vote to end debate on the motion to proceed to that bill. Reid implied that Republicans have not consented to proceeding to the bill, which forced his hand to try ending debate through a vote.
"We're going to have a cloture vote on the ability for us to proceed to the bill, the ability of us to start legislating," Reid said. "I don't need to give a lecture … about how vexatious this is that we have to do this every time."
Despite Reid's frustration, the vote to end debate on the motion to proceed to the bill is expected to succeed, which should launch several weeks of work on the farm bill.
Still, the Senate has been plagued with many of these procedural votes in the 112th Congress, which has slowed Senate work on several key bills and has contributed to what members of both parties in the House have said is a historically underperforming Senate.
Reid spoke in a morning session over which Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) presided, and noted Udall's proposal last year to amend the filibuster rules. Udall is a leading proponent of reform, and last year proposed that senators should have to remain on the floor in order to maintain a filibuster. He also proposed an end to secret holds on nominations.
Last month, Reid said he should have listened to these reform proposals last year, but said no changes would be made in this Congress.
Man up Reid. Propose specific changes to the filibuster rule that you want to enact. That way the Republicans can point to your support when they enact them next year.
Reid will be indicted by then.
Breathing in all of that smelly tourist odor has damaged his brain.
You won’t hold the Senate, Reid, and it’s looking more and more like Hussein won’t win either.
Reid, there are differences between you and a t*rd:
1. A t*rd is more intelligent.
2. A t*rd is more useful.
3. A t*rd is more honest.
4. A t*rd is more trustworthy.
5. A t*rd can be flushed.
Hopefully, soon we’ll talk to you a bit more about difference #5.
Shove it up your dishonest, low IQ, crooked septic Obama, Reidhole.
The Central Comity Chairman despises smelly tourists.
I don’t know which is slimier: Harry Reid or Chuck Schumer. Both nauseate.
But expect cries that would put a million banshees to shame should a Republican majority suggest this very thing....
Hey Harry, who was/is obstructing you from submitting a budget? ...for 3 years now!
Rule Three. Oh. Eight.
They have tipped their hand however.
If they EVER regain the Senate you can bet the filibuster will be gone, and they’ll hit the ground running with a plan to ram thru the entire Socialist agenda in the first 90 days.
Reid ISNT going to keep the Senate, and I know he had nefarious reasons, however, I actually agree that if they want to filibuster they should have to stay on the floor of the Senate. No more of this “Im going to filibuster” crap...
Yeah, we’re use to your underhandedness. This is why you will not last another election. People are coming to their senses.
and that’s becoming a damn big IF, Reidy!
Well, I just read this part and I have no idea when (or if they really did, Reid might be lying) this change was made. I had assumed that no one forced the other side to speak constantly because both sides (especially the reach across the aisle Republicans) wanted to be congenial rather than force a real fight.
Wait ‘til the Republicans try this after they’re in the majority! Just imagine the screaming and hollering! The knashing of teeth! The rending of hair! The holding of breath! The running away from home!
Says the guy who will not allow for any voting on the alternative budgets being passed in the house.
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