Category Archives: Congress
Scorched Earth Response to Filibuster Nuclear Option
Senate Minority leader Mitch McConnell gave a “scorched earth” speech last week. Democrats have been threatening to end the filibuster which requires 60 votes to pass legislation. But McConnell said if they do that they’ll turn the Senate into a “100 car pile-up.” And nothing will get done:
Let me say this very clearly for all 99 of my colleagues: Nobody serving in this chamber can even begin — can even begin to imagine — what a completely scorched earth Senate would look like.
Mitch McConnell on the U.S. Senate floor
Senate rules require the consent of all its members to conduct business. So Republicans could easily grind the place to a halt. For example they could withhold consent to minor votes without quorum calls.
Harry Reid invoked the “nuclear option” in 2013 to kill the filibuster for approving most presidential appointments. But when the worm turned McConnell added Supreme Court nominees to Reid’s list and Trump landed three new justices.
More than Covid Relief in Covid Relief Bill
The $1.9 trillion Covid relief bill was about more than Covid relief. $350 billion went to state governments and another $129 billion to schools. Here’s a breakdown from the Tax Foundation.
What Would a Successful Insurrection Look Like?
What would a successful insurrection look like. Would Chief Justice Roberts sit out the inauguration like he did the second impeachment? Would the bare chested guy with the fury head and horns swear in the president on a cold January day?
Citizen Trump Impeachment Trial Underway
The Citizen Trump impeachment trial is off and running under the watchful eye of Senator Patrick Leahy. And that’s because Chief Justice Roberts turned down the gig. The Constitution calls for the Chief Justice to preside over presidential impeachments. But Joe Biden’s busy, so there’s no president in the room. Anyway this is more efficient because Senator Leahy also gets a vote on Trump’s guilt or innocence, so he’s judge and jury.
Citizen Trump
The Dems have their reasons for beating a dead dog-faced pony soldier. If they convict Trump he can’t run for office again. But they beat a live President Trump last election. So Professor Charles Lipson wonders why they’d want him off the ballot in future elections.
Senate Trial of a Former President
Mitch McConnell is ok with a Senate trial for Former President Trump. On Monday the House delivered to the Senate one article of impeachment for incitement of insurrection. Or “erection” if you’re Chuck Schumer.
So, the Senate trial of Donald Trump is on. Again. But this time Trump isn’t the president. And the purpose of a Senate trial is to remove the president. At least that’s what my copy of the constitution says. It also says that when the President is tried, the Chief Justice presides. But the presiding geezer looks suspiciously like Pat Leahy. Maybe that’s because the president isn’t being tried. I’m no constitutional scholar, I just shoot the wounded. But, as Former President Trump likes to say, we’ll see.
Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the The United States: But the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law.
U.S. Constitution Article. I. Section 3
