Filibuster reform delayed

[BainsBane]

The Senate has delayed a vote on reforming the filibuster to require Senators to do a real-live talking filibuster that taxes their bladders. So far 48 Senators are on board with changing the rules, but some of hold outs may surprise you: Barbara Boxer , Diane Feinstein, Carl Levin, Pat Leahy, Max Baucus, Jack Reed and Mark Pryor (maybe not such surprise). For those of you who live in these states, time to get on the phones and light a fire under these folks.


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/03/filibuster-reform-senate_n_2405008.html

[Tx4obama]

1. The Senate is now in recess until January 21, see link below for more info

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1251272251

[BainsBane]

2. People still need to get on them

You could even call your Republican Senators. They won't change their votes, but they should know your views on the issue.

[Tx4obama]

3. Yes, folks should call the senators - I was just letting you know that they won't vote on it till ..

... sometime after the 21st

[BainsBane]

7. Thanks for that

[awoke_in_2003]

4. Never fear, it won't happen...

our party has a way of snatching defeat out of the jaws of victory.

[TwilightGardener]

5. What is the general reason for the holdouts? I am surprised at some of those names.

[BainsBane]

6. I'm not sure

The article references a compromise, bipartisan alternative that Levin supports, but it does nothing about the silent filibuster, which I think we should rename the LAZY filibuster. I share your surprise at some of those names.

[Coyote_Tan]

8. Holding out for a time when Dems aren't in power...

[dmosh42]

9. Nothing surprises me about the senate, a big home for "crooks and Liars"!

[Le Taz Hot]

10. Two of my Senators are on that list:

Boxer and Feinstein. I can see Feinstein pulling something like this but not Boxer. I'll start making calls after 8:00 am PST and see what I can find out.

[s-cubed]

11. I called Sen Boxer's office. They assured me she was on board with Merkley.

However, it doesn't hurt to call her and any of the others. Sen Feinstein's office was less forthright. I made three points:
1 . Forget about minority rights or trusting any gentlemen's agreement. As soon as they get 51 votes, they'll change the rules.
2 . If the senate wants to earn its pay and get anything done, this is essential, and it will put more pressure on the disfunctional house.
3 . If the senate works, but not the house, it greatly improves the DEMS chances for 2014?

http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

[BainsBane]

12. Great!

That means they need two more to make it to 51.
Thanks for updating us!

[Tx4obama]

14. If we get only 50 then VP Biden will be number 51, see OP on link below

Here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/1251271728

[trof]

15. It's like this:

When Democrats, in either house, are in the majority they are reluctant to take away any obstructionist edge or advantage the minority might have against the day when they are back in the minority.

Republicans, on the other hand, don't give a shit.
When it suits them to invoke arcane 'rules' they do it.
When it doesn't, they somehow manage to skirt them.

Democrats need a better parliamentarian?
An expert on bending the 'rules' to suit them?