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The Other Branch
Author: BobR
Date: 05/20/2009 12:28:26
For most of the Bush Administration, it seemed like there was only one branch of government: the Executive. Especially post 9/11, the Legislative branch seemed to be just an extension of the Executive, always giving Bush what he wanted, and Bush never vetoing any legislation. Even when the Democrats took over after the 2006 election, Congress seemed reluctant to challenge Bush in any way. There's a new sheriff in town, however, and they finally seem to have found their oats.
First off, they've figured out they can disagree with the President, even one as popular as Obama. It's not a good thing, but they removed the funding Obama wanted for closing Gitmo. Why?
This is such a wussy I-need-to-get-re-elected excuse. We house prisoners MUCH more dangerous than these detainees all the time. In fact, it will be tough finding a place for them where they won't get killed by other inmates. If it weren't for the abuse they undergo at Gitmo, that might be the safest place for them. C'mon Congress - campaign season is next year. THIS is the year you're supposed to make the brave decisions.
The Senate passed a credit card bill that makes many (good) changes to the system. Obama, the Senate, and the House need to make some reconciliations, but the bill has some good stuff, including:
This is VERY good news for consumers (despite the apocalyptic warnings from the credit card companies). Here's hoping the parties can keep it mostly intact during reconciliation.
Finally, it seems that the Republicans in the House are doing what they do best: obstructing progress. There's a bill in committee for addressing climate change, and the Republicans are trying to scuttle it by carpet-bombing it with 400 - count 'em - 400 amendments! It's apparent they are trying to keep it from ever getting out of committee for a vote, but they may lose that battle:
So look for cries of "partisanship" from the Republicans (and John Boehner just plain crying). What you won't hear from them are calls for an "up or down vote" like they did a few years ago. They seem to have lost their passion for that one.
They've got 6-8 months before they start really focusing on their re-election campaigns. Let's see how much legislation they can get passed in that time.
Congress - your move.
First off, they've figured out they can disagree with the President, even one as popular as Obama. It's not a good thing, but they removed the funding Obama wanted for closing Gitmo. Why?
Obama has yet to announce a plan on what to do with the detainees once the prison on Cuba closes, and many Democrats oppose having prisoners housed in their states. They did not want to vote for funds to close the prison without knowing where those prisoners would end up.
This is such a wussy I-need-to-get-re-elected excuse. We house prisoners MUCH more dangerous than these detainees all the time. In fact, it will be tough finding a place for them where they won't get killed by other inmates. If it weren't for the abuse they undergo at Gitmo, that might be the safest place for them. C'mon Congress - campaign season is next year. THIS is the year you're supposed to make the brave decisions.
The Senate passed a credit card bill that makes many (good) changes to the system. Obama, the Senate, and the House need to make some reconciliations, but the bill has some good stuff, including:
Millions of credit card users will avoid retroactive interest rate increases on existing card balances and have more time to pay their monthly bills, greater advance notice of changes in credit card terms and fewer penalty fees, late charges and interest payments. Once in effect, the law will also fundamentally change the way credit card issuers market, bill and advertise credit cards.
This is VERY good news for consumers (despite the apocalyptic warnings from the credit card companies). Here's hoping the parties can keep it mostly intact during reconciliation.
Finally, it seems that the Republicans in the House are doing what they do best: obstructing progress. There's a bill in committee for addressing climate change, and the Republicans are trying to scuttle it by carpet-bombing it with 400 - count 'em - 400 amendments! It's apparent they are trying to keep it from ever getting out of committee for a vote, but they may lose that battle:
But Republicans were intent on debating — for hours — all of the amendments, including proposals they agreed to, such as a “cash for clunkers” provision allowing Americans to receive a tax rebate for trading in older, less fuel-efficient cars.
Waxman said Tuesday he anticipates the amendment process to “speed up” and stuck by his prediction that the committee will hold a vote to approve the bill and report it out of committee by Thursday.
“We’re just going to keep going,” Waxman said, without specifying how long into the night they will work or how often they intend to break.
The ranking Republican on the panel, Rep. Joe Barton (Texas), laughed off a Thursday finish.
“He’s dreaming,” Barton said. “It ain’t going to happen.”
And he challenged Waxman’s assertion that the amendment process will “speed up.”
“If he means it’ll get more intense, then I’d agree,” Barton said.
“The Senate’s not going to move their energy bill until August or September,” Barton added, noting that Waxman is pushing the markup because he wants to finish the bill on his timeframe.
Republicans were still bracing for Waxman to use a procedural tool to halt the amendment process early and force a vote on the entire bill.
So look for cries of "partisanship" from the Republicans (and John Boehner just plain crying). What you won't hear from them are calls for an "up or down vote" like they did a few years ago. They seem to have lost their passion for that one.
They've got 6-8 months before they start really focusing on their re-election campaigns. Let's see how much legislation they can get passed in that time.
Congress - your move.
