Republican memo outlines healthcare delay tactics

[babylonsister]

They're not even hiding it anymore. I wish some talking head would raise a stink about this.


Republican memo outlines healthcare delay tactics
By Eric Zimmermann - 12/02/09 04:46 PM ET


Senate Republicans circulated a memo today advising colleagues how to use Senate procedure to slow down debate on healthcare reform .

Written by Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.) the memo explains that Republicans can regularly object to procedural motions and demand roll call votes on motions that are normally passed by "unanimous consent."

"We, the minority party, must use the tools we have under Senate rules to insist on a full, complete and fully informed debate on the health care legislation – as well as all legislation – coming before the Senate," Gregg writes.

Republicans have made a point of calling for an extended debate. Underlying that argument is a belief that the longer the debate is drawn out, the smaller the chances are for Democrats to pass a bill.

Republicans, according to the memo, might regularly demand a roll call vote to establish a quorum, even if it's obvious that a quorum is present. Senators can also raise "points of order" objecting Democratic actions. Democrats could defeat those motions, but the memo counsels that "delay is created by the two roll call votes in connection with each tabling motion (motion to table and motion to reconsider that vote)."

Gregg also reminds colleagues that they can demand a full reading of any amendment and can offer as many amendments as they like, "germane or non-germane--on any subject."

more...

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/70267-republican-memo-outlines-healthcare-delay-tactics

[StarfarerBill]

1. Yeah, the Republicans are very good at keeping the herd all together,

and it makes for a big roadblock.

[Vinca]

2. Good, old Judd Gregg. What a miserable POS.

[endless october]

3. demand that R congresspeople give up their own public healthcare

and buy on the "open" market.

the hypocrites are already covered by the system they rail against.

[BlueIdaho]

4. Short term - its an ok tactic I suppose...

But their long term problem is the perception that they're the party of No - the party of no ideas, no ideals, no plan looking forward, and a party that stands between Americans and the things they want to see done. This tactic may work short term but how on earth does it help with this larger identity problem? Some say Senate Democrats are "unpopular" - and that may be true - but one thing is certain, the one thing worse that being a Senate Democrat is being a Senate Republican.