Two Democratic senators call for blocking votes unrelated to shutdown

[left-of-center2012]

Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) wrote on Twitter that Democrats in the Senate "should block consideration of any bills unrelated to opening the government," while also calling on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to allow a vote to reopen the government.

"Senate Democrats should block consideration of any bills unrelated to opening the government until Sen. Mitch McConnell and Senate Republicans allow a vote on the bipartisan bills the House passed to open the government. Mitch, don’t delay. Let’s vote!" he tweeted.

Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) wrote in response that he "agreed" and called the shutdown a "crisis" and a "fundamental failure."

"Agreed. This isn’t business as usual. This is a crisis, a fundamental failure to govern, and Americans are suffering for it," he tweeted. "The Senate should not take up any bills unrelated to reopening the government until @SenateMajLdr lets us vote on exactly that."

https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/424087-two-democratic-senators-call-for-blocking-votes-unrelated-to-shutdown

[pecosbob]

1. I believe we need to find a way to address the 'monkey-wrenching' of the govt in general

It used to be that Repubs resorted to budget starvation or filibusters to block legislation they opposed, but in recent years it's grown out of control; constant shutdowns, willy-nilly dismantling of federal regulatory agencies and outright disregard of laws passed by Congress.

[reACTIONary]

7. We need two things....

.... automatic debt authoization for any expenditures not covered by tax revenue and automatic continuation of the current budget allocations until a new budget replaces it.

There are actually countries that operate this way.

[guruoo]

2. Can't think of any serious downside to doing this. nt

[cstanleytech]

3. I can see some potential downsides which is why it should only be for bills that involve any federal

spending.
That way we can play up to be the true fiscally responsible party which the Repugnants have proven not be and we can point to the fact that they always are willing to spend money when in power but rarely willing to do whats needed to actually pay for it.

[djacq]

4. A Shutdown within a Shutdown to end The Shutdown.

Smart.

[beachbum bob]

5. senate democrats need to shutdown all Senate work with fillibusters unless the shutdown is

addressed


that would be heroic

[Hermit-The-Prog]

6. DO IT!

McConnell should not be allowed to impose his tyranny on the Senate.

[bluestarone]

8. Agree

[leanforward]

9. Count me in.

Pass the funding appropriations, IAW the House passage.

[JudyM]

10. Good idea. This is how we do it, baby.