Free Republic

Plenty of Republicans remain bitter that their party passed that bloated $1.3 trillion omnibus—almost as bitter as President Trump, who felt pressured to sign it. But this fight doesn’t have to be over. Across Washington, principled conservatives are noodling with an idea that—if done right—could be a political winner. It’s a chance for Republicans to honor their promises of spending restraint and redeem themselves with a base turned off by the omnibus blowout. It’s an opening for the GOP to highlight the degree to which Democrats used the bill to hold the military hostage to their own domestic boondoggles. And...

Trump-backing congressman says GOP will use budget 'reconciliation' to repeal Obamacare in first 100 days – depriving Democrats of the chance to filibuster it * Rep. Chris Collins, the first Republican to endorse President-elect Trump, says the GOP will move legislation to repeal Obamacare within Trump's first 100 days * Party would use budget procedure that would let them jam it through on a simple majority vote, depriving Senate Democrats of the filibuster * Medical device tax, 30-hour workweek for coverage, employer mandate, employee mandate all could go, gutting the plan * Says there would be a 'transition' for 2017...

Wolf Blizer on "The Situation Room" reported that the republicans have more then enough votes for cloture, as many as 70. Looks like Kerry jumped the gun a bit too fast.

Legislative AgendaThe Wall Street Journal says, 'Senate Repubican leaders are considering a filibuster proof budget maneuver to renew their push to allow drilling for oil in Alaska's Arctic Wildlife Refuge.'United States Senator Pete Domenici of New Mexico, the new Chair of the Senate Energy Committee, said he believes that the controversial Artice-refuge provision will be included as part of this years budget reconcilliation process.The Committee, working in colloboration with the White House and the Senate Budget Committee, will put together a revenue raising package that could result in a floor vote as early as March or April.