If McConnell won't bring $2000 payments to the floor, Bernie will object to the defense bill.

[kpete]

Last edited Tue Dec 29, 2020, 11:09 AM - Edit history (2)

No payments for people — no New Year’s Eve break for Senators

Bernie Sanders

This week on the Senate floor Mitch McConnell wants to vote to override Trump's veto of the $740 billion defense funding bill and then head home for the New Year.

I'm going to object until we get a vote on legislation to provide a $2,000 direct payment to the working class.

Link to tweet

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Link to tweet

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MORE:
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/12/28/bernie-sanders-filibuster-delay-defense-veto-override-451697

Link to tweet

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https://www.democraticunderground.com/100214774076

[Mrs. Overall]

1. K & R

[malaise]

2. Good

Get the snacks

[Faux pas]

3. Kickin'

[OnDoutside]

4. Nice idea !

[JoeOtterbein]

5. Go...

...BERNIE!

[Cirque du So-What]

6. Amazing

OP was posted over 10 minutes ago and no dung has been flung at the mere mention of Bernie Sanders.

[marlakay]

7. Someday rest of party will realize

How much they need the progressives. They are the ones with the most zeal. May not have the most votes but stand up and fight.

[RussellCattle]

10. My thoughts exactly. Good old Bernie has our backs.

[sheshe2]

13. Well, a majority voted for Kamala Harris as VPE.

She is/was the most progressive Senator by far. We already have that which people say we need.

[Indykatie]

17. In Some Circles You're Not Viewed as a Progressive if You Don't Support Medicare for All n/t

[sheshe2]

18. Correct.

I would say more, yet will leave it at that.

[questionseverything]

73. I am sure she will support the increased amount as the house has

[PunkinPi]

80. She's the one who sponsored (cosponsored by Sanders and Markey) the initial bill in May...

doubt that her mind has changed.

Link to tweet

Along with Vice President-elect @KamalaHarris and Sen. @EdMarkey, I've been fighting for months to get Congress to pass a $2,000 direct payment for the working class. The House must pass this legislation tomorrow and the Senate must quickly follow suit. Let's get this done – NOW!

[questionseverything]

81. Wonderful!

I am so pleased with our democratic coalition!

[Doremus]

15. Absolutely this. Thank you Bernie! nt

[luv2fly]

61. Yes yes

And maybe the snide remarks about Progressives will end too... I can dream.

[Bettie]

84. Nah...they won't

but wouldn't it be nice if in the Democratic Party, "Progressive Democrats" weren't considered the enemy?

[luv2fly]

91. From your lips (or fingertips as it may be)

to the flying spaghetti monster's ears.

[George II]

78. The rest of what "party"?

[paleotn]

52. Look below. Plenty of it.

[SheltieLover]

8. Good!

[onecaliberal]

9. Good move. This is why it is so important that people like him are there to cause good trouble.

We need to obstruct in every way we legally can.

[gab13by13]

11. Bernie took a lot of flack here,

I just have this to say, it shouldn't just be Bernie standing alone, where are the rest of the Senate Democrats? Now is the time to draw a line in the sand if there ever was one.

[rso]

12. Bernie

I want the 2k as much as anyone, but isn’t Bernie indirectly giving Donnie a win here ?

[luv2fly]

28. Not about tRump

This isn't about tRump. Bernie's standing up for what's right, that's all.

[Ferrets are Cool]

40. This x 1000

[paleotn]

53. Donnie is half way out the door....

and vetoed the legislation on the way out for purely political reasons. He has no standing on this.

[BGBD]

14. The best way to get the bill to the floor

might just be to tie it to overriding the defense bill veto. Just need enough democrats to say they won't vote for the override without the Stimulus bill increase first being put to vote.

McConnell can't count on all of his team backing the veto override, so he's going to need half of the Democrats or so to go along with him. We have enough Democratic senators in safe seats that we can play that game. Considering Trump vetoed it in the first place it's really not a difficult card to play politically even in more competitive seats.

[AmyStrange]

20. +100000000000000000000000000000000 x 2

-

Well said.
===============

[BlueNProud]

16. Go Bernie

[comradebillyboy]

19. What will this accomplish? Will any votes be changed?

[AmyStrange]

21. If enough Democrats follow Bernie's lead...

-

Mitch the Mouth needs 2/3rds of ALL the Senators to override the veto, and that includes Democrats.

In my opinion, it's worth a try.
==========

[comradebillyboy]

22. Not many Democrats will follow Bernie's lead.

The veto needs to be overridden for the good of the country. No Democratic senator is going to commit political suicide for Bernie Sanders.

[AmyStrange]

25. Can't really argue with that, but...

-

I've never liked being a pessimist before the fact.
===========

[comradebillyboy]

27. I'm not being a pessimist, I want the Senate to

override trump's NDAA veto just like the House did. Ergo I don't support Sanders' endeavor here.

[AmyStrange]

31. You're logic makes sense, and I agree, but...

-

I'd still like to get $2,000 AND also override the veto.

That's the best case scenario, but I'm afraid that you're probably right.
==============

[comradebillyboy]

33. The $2k would be great but I doubt Mitch will bring it to the floor.

If Ossof and Warnock win in Georgia then the Senate will work with Biden and more relief to the needy will be forthcoming in the new year. Otherwise it will be more obstruction from Mitch.

[druidity33]

65. That's exactly why this is a good time to do it...

Ed Markey (Sen, MA) has said he will join Bernie. McConnell absolutely NEEDS the democratic votes for authorization. Republicans get away with threatening a gov't shutdown ALL THE TIME. And guess what? Generally the Democrats cave to their demands. I think it must be our turn at this... comrade.

[KPN]

63. Ya know, sorry to have to say this, but if that

is so, then the Democratic Party will never fully succeed at what it says it stands for — the people above corporations, billionaires and power. And if that’s the case, what’s the point? How about trying as opposed to resigning to scraps.

[liskddksil]

57. Keeping Perdue and Loeffler in DC a week before the most important Senate election in our History nt

Link to tweet

[questionseverything]

67. The repubs against money for peops

Dems fighting for it is win/win

[whopis01]

92. It is a delaying tactic. Not an attempt to change the eventual vote.

This article describes it well:

"Under Senate rules, Sanders has the ability to keep the chamber in during the holiday week and likely mess with the campaign schedules of Sens. David Perdue (R-Ga.) and Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.). Those two face Jan. 5 runoff races for control of the Senate against Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, who are both campaigning on the $2,000 checks."

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/12/28/bernie-sanders-filibuster-delay-defense-veto-override-451697


This isn't about trying to get enough votes to stop the veto override. It is to delay the vote in order to have a bigger impact on the Georgia races.

Sanders understands that right now, McConnell is concerned with the outcome of those votes. So McConnell will say whatever he needs to right now in order to win in Georgia. Once that vote is over, McConnell will gleefully go back on anything he said. It is what he does all the time. Sanders is delaying this vote to force McConnell to have to put the CASH act to a vote prior to the runoff.

[AmyStrange]

23. How many Senators does it take to override a veto? 66 or 67?

-

Regardless of that, the real sticking point is that Bernie needs either 34 or 35 democrats to follow his lead, but will they?

Hopefully, they will.
==============

[DeminPennswoods]

26. 67

nt

[AmyStrange]

32. Thanks, buddy.

[DeminPennswoods]

36. Sure

It's just rounded up to 67.

[whopis01]

93. No he doesn't - that's not the endgame here

He isn't attempting to shoot down this bill.
He wants to delay it.

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/12/28/bernie-sanders-filibuster-delay-defense-veto-override-451697

McConnell wants the vote on the CASH act (increase to $2000 payments) to be delayed past the Georgia runoff election.
That allows Loeffler and Perdue to campaign on the message that "we are going to get you the money Trump promised" in order to get elected, but then vote it down after the election.

Sanders is basically trying to force McConnell to have to bring that bill to a vote prior to the NDAA bill.

[AmyStrange]

95. Got it, and...

-

thank you.
==========

[SammyWinstonJack]

97. Lucy football. Just how ignorant does one have to be in order to fall for that?

[whopis01]

99. I agree with your assessment - but

70 some million people just voted for Trump.

How ignorant does one have to be to fall for him?

Whether or not it seems feasible to you and I has little to do with reality (unfortunately).

[Hortensis]

24. Does Sanders oppose the environmental provisions Democrats put in the defense bill?

Btw, the house just passed legislation to increase aid to $2000. They're using Trump against McConnell, of course, but worst case for Turtleface the GA elections could force him to agree to increasing the benefit. They've signaled they might agree to $1200 anyway.

[Voltaire2]

77. This is about forcing a vote on 2000.

But you knew that.

[luv2fly]

29. THANK YOU BERNIE

Now let's get the Dems to support this.

[pnwmom]

42. No, let's not. That would hurt us in the 2 key Senate races,

so it would be a dumb thing for the Dems to be identified with.

[paleotn]

50. He's not a Dem.

[pnwmom]

66. Yeah, tell that to the Republicans who are constantly conflating Bernie and the Dems.

And now Ed Markey has announced that he's joining in.

[questionseverything]

72. It passed the house under pelosi's leadership

How is supporting larger survival checks for low income Americans a bad idea?

[pnwmom]

74. Nothing about the 2,000 is a bad idea. I think threatening the defense budget now is a bad idea.

[questionseverything]

76. We will override the veto right after the vote for a higher survival check

The people of Georgia deserve to know how their senators will vote

[Takket]

30. am i missing something?

even if he threatens to vote no, it takes 34 nos to stop a veto override, so how would Sanders objecting change anything unless 33 more senators join him?

[comradebillyboy]

35. Problem is the vast majority of Democratic senators

want the NDAA to pass and no more than one or two will back Bernie on this vote.

[questionseverything]

100. so the leader of the democratic senate caucus supports this as do most democratic senators

seems you were way off comrade

[vsrazdem]

44. he would be voting no on a unanamous consent, which means it will take a little longer, but just

wont breeze right thorugh unless he brings the 2000 for a floor vote.

[rso]

48. Bernie

Sorry, the 2k is great, but this maneuver gives Donnie a win and hurts our candidates in Georgia, a State that has a large military population.

[luv2fly]

59. We get it, you don't like Bernie

You keep trying to tie this to tRump but it ain't workin'. It's Bernie being the man he is trying to help people, that's all.

[rso]

64. Bernie

I actually like Bernie, but I worry that democrats will now be seen as throwing a wrench into the Senate override of the Defense bill. This is especially worrisome in the Georgia runoff, where many active and retired military reside, and their pay increases are in the Defense bill.

[questionseverything]

68. We will over ride the defense bill after we vote on giving every soldier 2 grand

How are they gonna hate that?

[AmyStrange]

70. +100000000000000000000000000000000 x 2

[Celerity]

83. not only do the troops still get paid, but the pay increase happens automatically this time, so your

argument is flawed

h/t to DU'er rpannier

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100214772598#post19

per the Military Times

But this year, that language is largely redundant, according to Todd Harrison, director of Defense Budget Analysis at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Under federal statute, military pay raises are automatic unless the president or Congress opts to deviate from the expected rise in military salaries, based on a formula which centers on the Employment Cost Index, an estimate of private-sector wage growth.

In some years, lawmakers have decided to raise or lower that mark, which requires congressional action. This year, however, since a different figure has not been proposed, the pay raise can go into effect without any intervention from Capitol Hill.

The pay raise will automatically go into effect regardless of what happens with the bill

What can be effected are
retention bonuses. those could be delayed
hazardous duty pay
and adjustments for housing allowances

https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2020/12/03/military-pay-raise-safe-from-trumps-veto-threat-but-troops-bonuses-could-be-in-trouble/

[rso]

85. Bernie

Your own attachment indicates at the bottom that at least three separate benefits with financial implications are likely affected.

[JonLP24]

86. There will be backpay if things are delayed & resolved

[rso]

51. Bernie

Sorry, the 2k is great, but this maneuver gives Donnie a win and hurts our candidates in Georgia, a State that has a large military population.

[Skittles]

62. you're not missing anything

nope

[George II]

79. McConnell wants to pass this under unanimous consent. If one Senator objects, then they have to....

....vote for cloture and need 60 votes.

So, the strategy is seemingly to force republicans to a vote, but actually it's forcing Democrats to vote. If they vote against cloture then they'll be perceived as blocking the defense bill.

If there is a cloture vote it will be on Wednesday, followed by the vote to override the veto. This is just delaying overriding the veto by one day.

It's not a wise strategy, especially considering that there are two very close pivotal Senate races to be decided next week.

[questionseverything]

82. Leader schumer is on board

It is the whole democratic coalition

[whopis01]

94. Yes. It isn't about stopping the override. It is about delaying it.

McConnell doesn't want to have a vote on the $2k stimulus prior to the Georgia runoff.
He doesn't want it to pass, but Loeffler and Perdue are campaigning on the promise of it. Because they have to be loyal to Trump, and being the candidate that says "I don't want you to get more money" is a bad place to be in.

Once the Georgia runoff vote is over, McConnell and the Republicans will happily vote down the CASH act ($2k stimulus increase).

Basically passing the NDAA veto override is good for Republicans in Georgia and delaying voting down the CASH act is good for Republicans in Georgia. Sanders is trying to force either both to be delayed or both to be voted on.


https://www.politico.com/news/2020/12/28/bernie-sanders-filibuster-delay-defense-veto-override-451697

[pnwmom]

34. Great. So the R's will twist this into the Dems being against defense. n/t

[comradebillyboy]

37. The Dem Senators aren't going to go with Bernie on this vote.

They overwhelmingly voted for the NDAA and they will overwhelmingly vote to override Trump's veto just like the Democratic House did this afternoon.

[pnwmom]

39. I know they won't. But watch the R's spin it as a "Democrat" position. n/t

[yonder]

43. Guaranteed.

[uponit7771]

75. That's poor campaigning on Dems to eat every crappy message that comes from the kGOP

[jalan48]

38. Thanks Bernie!

[NoMoreRepugs]

41. Raising a ruckus and bringing attention to the fact that

the RePutinicans are responsible for rank and file working people not getting $2000 might help in Georgia.

[George II]

45. No one in his family served in the military and depended upon pay increases.

[Mariana]

69. Military pay increases are not dependent upon this bill.

https://militarypay.defense.gov/Pay/Basic-Pay/FAQ/#1

[Lucinda]

46. KNR

[yaesu]

47. Teamwork makes the dream work! nt

[paleotn]

49. A game of chicken.

Your move, turtle boy.

[liskddksil]

55. This is partly to keep Mitch's minions, Bonnie and Clyde, off the trail in GA

Link to tweet

[Blasphemer]

56. I am no Bernie fan, but I support this. Get them on the record... nt

[COL Mustard]

58. Remember, This Congress Is Only In Session

Until 11:59 am on January 3.

[KPN]

60. Good on Bernie. People first as usual.

[AmyStrange]

71. How much of this defense bill will go into the pockets of the rich?

-

I'm not against financing the military, but I really think the rich should pay for all of it, because if our country falls, how much will their billions be worth then?

That said, GO BERNIE!
===============

[Voltaire2]

88. About 20% goes to military personnel.

The other 80% is shit we buy every year. As we have 10x more spending than any other nation, we could provide a fully capable defense of our legitimate national interests for much less than that. The bloat is to pursue two illegitimate objectives:
1. line the pockets of the kleptocracy
2. continue the permanent war.

[UCmeNdc]

87. All McConnell has to do is put the $2000 up to a vote

[kentuck]

89. In my opinion...

Democrats must be careful not to step into a trap.

McConnell would like nothing better than to blame Democrats for the failure of the military to get their pay raises on time.

[honest.abe]

90. Not sure how I feel about this.

Delaying the vote on the defense bill is not a good move for Democrats. RW media will be all over this. I can see ads in Georgia saying this is just a the beginning of what happens when Democrats take control of the Senate... gut the military and throw money to the unemployed.

Don't get me wrong, I am all for the $2000 checks but I can see how this could be twisted by the Republicans to their benefit.

I wish there was another way to put pressure on McConnel without affecting the defense bill.

[certainot]

96. i agree. 1500 radio stations will interpret this in mcconnell's favor

[mountain grammy]

98. K & R

Go Bernie!!