Filibusters
Before the Democrats came into power, Republicans lamented the use of filibusters. There was talk of passing the so-called "nuclear option" to eliminate the filibuster altogether by high ranking Republicans like then-Senator Frist.
Two years ago:
Sen. Trent Lott (R-MS): "[Filibustering] is wrong. It’s not supportable under the Constitution. And if they insist on persisting with these filibusters, I’m perfectly prepared to blow the place up."
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) spokesman: "Senator McConnell always has and continues to fully support the use of what has become known as the ‘[nuclear]’ option in order to restore the norms and traditions of the Senate."
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/7/17/143950/160
Now, they keep using it again and again and again when it comes to voting on these timetables for Iraq. Hypocrisy at its best. Thankfully, Reid seems to be doing something about it. Whey want to debate? Stay up all night.
WASHINGTON -
The Senate this week will pull its first all-night debate on the Iraq war in advance of a vote on whether to bring home combat troops by next spring, Democrats said Monday.
The rare, round-the-clock session Tuesday night through Wednesday morning is intended to bait Republicans into an exhaustive debate on the politically unpopular war, as well as punish GOP members for routinely blocking anti-war legislation.
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/07/17/ap3919713.html
Two years ago:
Sen. Trent Lott (R-MS): "[Filibustering] is wrong. It’s not supportable under the Constitution. And if they insist on persisting with these filibusters, I’m perfectly prepared to blow the place up."
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) spokesman: "Senator McConnell always has and continues to fully support the use of what has become known as the ‘[nuclear]’ option in order to restore the norms and traditions of the Senate."
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/7/17/143950/160
Now, they keep using it again and again and again when it comes to voting on these timetables for Iraq. Hypocrisy at its best. Thankfully, Reid seems to be doing something about it. Whey want to debate? Stay up all night.
WASHINGTON -
The Senate this week will pull its first all-night debate on the Iraq war in advance of a vote on whether to bring home combat troops by next spring, Democrats said Monday.
The rare, round-the-clock session Tuesday night through Wednesday morning is intended to bait Republicans into an exhaustive debate on the politically unpopular war, as well as punish GOP members for routinely blocking anti-war legislation.
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/07/17/ap3919713.html