Who's the boss? - There are a number of stories making the rounds that Joe Biden, Chris Dodd and Barack Obama (among others)
intend to filibuster FISA legislation extending immunity to telcom companies. What? I thought the Democrats controlled the Senate; how can they filibuster their own majority? There seems to be
some confusion on this matter.
2 comments:
Eric: "What? I thought the Democrats controlled the Senate; how can they filibuster their own majority? There seems to be some confusion on this matter."
Quite apparently.
Not so confusing. Spurred by the White House, the Dems & GOP have made a backdated bargain to cover up wiretapping crimes, which apparently has the necessary votes to pass.
Dodd thinks the deal is sleazy and extralegal even by Congressional standards, and put a hold on it. Typically, this would derail, or at least postpone the bill. And historically, other Senators would abide by Dodd's move, based on the "if you f with my legislation today, someday I'll f with yours" principle.
But Harry Reid announced that Dodd's hold would NOT get the normal consideration. Hence Dodd's "then I guess I'll have to filibuster" countermove, which is gaining support from various colleagues for various reasons.
It's amazing that one of the few recent acts of "partisanship" is all about eroding the legal system, but here we are.
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