Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - Non-binding resolution

dc_dux · 02-19-2007, 04:20 PM

I think the cloture rule is a valuable parliamentary tool that distinguishes the Senate from the House. Thefilibuster and the subsequent cloture rule were initially instituted to require broader consensus to insure that the big states didnt overpower the small states or the northern states overpower the southern states. It still has its place and either party would do an injustice to "break" the rules with a "nuclear" option to get around it.

There are other ways to address the problem. In this case, the Dems may (and should IMO) add an amendment to the next Defense appropriations bill to "update" the 2002 resolution that gave Bush the authority to use armed force against Saddam. Saddam is now gone and it is appropriate to change the rules of engagement so that our troops are not policemen.

If the Dems add such an amendment to the DoD approp. bill, the Repubs will either have to allow it to come to a vote or delay the entire Defense spending bill, thus preventing any funding for our Iraq "mission"...(btw, the Repubs used this procedure often when they were in the majority.)

BTW, the Repubs have 21 senators up for reelection in 08; the Dems have only 12. They all will be wise to listen to their constituents.

02-19-2007, 04:20 PM	#4 (permalink)
dc_dux Location: Washington DC	I think the cloture rule is a valuable parliamentary tool that distinguishes the Senate from the House. Thefilibuster and the subsequent cloture rule were initially instituted to require broader consensus to insure that the big states didnt overpower the small states or the northern states overpower the southern states. It still has its place and either party would do an injustice to "break" the rules with a "nuclear" option to get around it. There are other ways to address the problem. In this case, the Dems may (and should IMO) add an amendment to the next Defense appropriations bill to "update" the 2002 resolution that gave Bush the authority to use armed force against Saddam. Saddam is now gone and it is appropriate to change the rules of engagement so that our troops are not policemen. If the Dems add such an amendment to the DoD approp. bill, the Repubs will either have to allow it to come to a vote or delay the entire Defense spending bill, thus preventing any funding for our Iraq "mission"...(btw, the Repubs used this procedure often when they were in the majority.) BTW, the Repubs have 21 senators up for reelection in 08; the Dems have only 12. They all will be wise to listen to their constituents. __________________ "The perfect is the enemy of the good." ~ Voltaire Last edited by dc_dux; 02-19-2007 at 04:38 PM..