Last week we covered Democrats' options to obstruct a nomination, but this #SundayMorning as a schedule and a plan to push the Senate confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett before the election has emerged, we're looking for clues of exactly what the Democrats are planning.
(THREAD)
(2) Because the filibuster is gone, Democrats are going to have to get creative in their efforts to slow down the nomination process. At this point, the hope is the election results will dramatically change the calculus for the GOP.
We need 37 days.
cbc.ca/news/world/sup…
(3) Previously we'd discussed what the House could throw in front of the Senate to slow confirmation & keep them busy. Impeachment is a possibility, but legal experts are skeptical.
The Senate could refuse to hear witnesses & dismiss with a majority vote
msn.com/en-us/news/pol…
(4) Pelosi already said she wouldn't force a shutdown to slow SCOTUS and frankly, that ship has already sailed.
The House could send over amendments to the pile of existing legislation sitting on McConnell's desk. Or a War Power resolution.
marketwatch.com/story/pelosi-s…
(5) But now we start to get into procedural tricks that Democrats would have to leverage again and again to slow the business of the Senate to a crawl.
These include things like denying quorum, forcing role call votes, and withholding unanimous consent.
theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/…
(6) Here's the catch though. Dems have tried these sorts of things before to obstruct McConnell's neverending parade of conservative judicial nominees.
In those instances, McConnell & Graham have simply suspended the rules & pushed through regardless.
commondreams.org/news/2020/09/2…
(7) So as unpleasant as it is (believe me I wish I had better news), I think Durbin is right. Dems can drag heels. But this may buy them only hours or days.
However, the schedule is SO tight on this SCOTUS confirmation that days of delay may be enough.
businessinsider.com/senator-democr…
(8) Watch for Dems to pull out all the stops and showmanship to put as many speed bumps in the way as they can and leverage procedural rules.
And be prepared for the GOP to stomp all over those democratic norms anyway in their rush to seize power.
vanityfair.com/news/2020/09/m…
(9) Ultimately, this may be a futile exercise. We may not be able to prevent Mitch from stealing another SCOTUS seat
However, elections have consequences. And in 37 days, you'll have the pleasure of making sure the GOP loses the power of your vote.
washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/…
(END) Thanks to @hellboy2112 and @GrouchyMarkx for the #SundayMorning thread suggestion. Come back next week and we'll do this again.
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