If Dems do manage to end the #filibuster, and then NOTHING is passed afterwards, will you vote for Dems in the midterms?
And if you hesitated for even a second before saying yes, then that's exactly why Dems won't end the filibuster.
Because if Dems end the filibuster, then their voters need to come out no matter what is blocked by senate procedure, stripped by the parliamentarian, etc.
Because if Dems end the filibuster, then their voters need to come out no matter what is blocked by senate procedure, stripped by the parliamentarian, etc.
What do I mean "if nothing is passed?"
Because there are a LOT of ways to prevent legislation from passing that aren't the filibuster.
The filibuster is the easiest to defeat, just need 60 votes.
Because there are a LOT of ways to prevent legislation from passing that aren't the filibuster.
The filibuster is the easiest to defeat, just need 60 votes.
(not an exhaustive list)
1. No quorum. Being the senate is 50/50, anytime a Dem is out sick, the GOP can simply leave, nothing gets done.
(see the month Lujan was ill. Dems couldn't do anything because the GOP left Washington.)
1. No quorum. Being the senate is 50/50, anytime a Dem is out sick, the GOP can simply leave, nothing gets done.
(see the month Lujan was ill. Dems couldn't do anything because the GOP left Washington.)
a Dem gets COVID? 10 days of no votes, no bills, no appointments.
No state visits, no face time w/ the media, Every Dem would have to stay in DC.
No state visits, no face time w/ the media, Every Dem would have to stay in DC.
2. Motions to adjourn
Every GOP could offer their own individual motion to adjourn, and all it takes is 20 votes to require the bill to be read on the floor.
So every day simply would be spent reading the same bill 50 times and voting it down on party lines.
Every GOP could offer their own individual motion to adjourn, and all it takes is 20 votes to require the bill to be read on the floor.
So every day simply would be spent reading the same bill 50 times and voting it down on party lines.
3. Procedural fuckery
Senate Minority leader needs only 20 votes to grind the senate to a halt simply by demanding everything from bills to amendments to appointments to motions be read in full on the floor.
Senate Minority leader needs only 20 votes to grind the senate to a halt simply by demanding everything from bills to amendments to appointments to motions be read in full on the floor.
These 3 things alone can make my question a reality. And I'm not a constitutional lawyer or a politician, so I'm certain there are some I'm missing.
(I'll link the supporting text when I'm not on my phone).
(I'll link the supporting text when I'm not on my phone).
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