Filibuster - Informal term for any attempt to block or delay Senate action on a bill or other matter by debating it at length, by offering numerous procedural motions, or by any other delaying or obstructive actions. (US Senate, glossary).
" Fresh on the heels of ...House Republicans' refusal to provide a single vote in support of President Obama's $825 (billion) economic recovery package, Senate Republicans are now suggesting they will filibuster the stimulus bill.
That's the word from ThinkProgress, which Friday afternoon offered a round up of the latest in Republican obstructionism. While Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions offered a none-too-thinly veiled threat of a GOP filibuster ("I think its going to take 60 votes to pass the bill"), Arizona's John Kyl said he would explore "whatever parliamentary possibilities are in front of us." Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) promised to join the effort, announcing, "I would be a part of it." And on Thursday, Chuck Grassley (R-IA) told Robert Siegel on NPR that a filibuster of the Obama package passed by the House could be in the cards:"( Crooks and Liars, January 31, 2009, "Senate Republicans may filibuster Obama stimulus package")
Sometimes, real life and the movies diverge.
The stimulus package appears to be our economic lifeline. We voted the Republicans out of office because we believed they had failed to understand and protect our financial interests. We fought for and won the right to change our destiny under new leadership. Yes, we can and yes we would. Yet now, not even 3 weeks into the new term, it sounds and feels like the Republicans are driving the ship.
Is it a need for bi-partisanship that drives the President? It feels more like a need to avoid a Republican filibuster. It appears that the Democrats, being shy of the 60 votes needed to cast aside Republican opposition and push through its own legislation, must come hat in hand to the party in the minority.It feels and sounds like politics as usual.
There is some hope emanating from the halls of the Senate.The NY Times reports that the Democrats, while holding 58 seats, have only been voting 57 this week, as Senator Kennedy remains absent due to his illness. While Senate majority leader Harry Reid initially spoke of the Democrats being able to 'muscle the stimulus bill through' with at least 2 Republican votes, now the bipartisan group rules, and behind the scene brokering is the order of the day. Yet, 'despite the efforts of the President, Senator Reid and all of us (Democratic leaders)...it takes 2 to tango, and the Republicans aren't dancing". (Senator Charles Schumer in the NY Times, "Bipartisan push in Senate to Reduce the Costs of the Stimulus Plan February 6, 2009).
President Obama has continually spoken of the urgency of getting the stimulus plan passed.
"If we do not move swiftly an economy that is in crisis will be faced with catastrophe. Millions more American will lose their jobs. Homes will be lost. Families will go without health care. Our crippling dependence on foreign oil will continue. That is the price of inaction." ( NY Times, February 6, 2009)
We want Jimmy Stewart to fight the right battles. We want him supporting the Boy Scouts and not his own interests. We don't need to be held hostage in the most critical moments we have faced in almost 80 years. We want those in the Republican party not afraid to do what is right for all of us to step out of the shadows, step forward and be heard. When those voices ring, when those individuals decide to stand up against their own party's contempt for everything Democratic, we can move forward in the job of bringing this country back to its feet. Until then, we are only full of bluster.
PS THIS POST WAS WRITTEN PRIOR TO MY READING "GETTING TOUGH IN WASHINGTON"(NY TIMES EDITORIAL BOARD, FEBRUARY 6,2009) AND "ON THE EDGE"( PAUL KRUGMAN, IN THE NY TIMES, FEBRUARY 6, 2009). BOTH OF THESE EDITORIAL PIECES ECHO WHAT IS WRITTEN ABOVE.
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