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Now is the Time to Take on GOP Obstructionism
T.R. Donoghue
February 5, 2010

From Talking Points Memo,

Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL) has put an extraordinary “blanket hold” on at least 70 nominations President Obama has sent to the Senate, CongressDaily reports. The hold means no nominations can move forward unless Senate Democrats can secure a 60-member cloture vote to break it, or until Shelby lifts the hold.

Shelby is attempting to extort billions in pork for Alabama through this unprecedented hold.

This seems to me to be a teachable moment for the American public and a chance for Congressional Democrats to save some of the Obama agenda. This action by Shelby is such a thoroughly egregious act that it creates a window of opportunity for the Democratic leadership in the Senate to take back procedural control of that chamber. Get Harry Reid in front of the cameras tomorrow and have him explain that,

“In light of Senator Shelby’s actions the Senate will now move forward with Senator Tom Udall’s proposal to change the Senate’s filibuster rule. This is an unfortunate turn of events but the unprecedented level of obstructionism currently displayed by this minority and exemplified by Senator Shelby’s blanket hold on all nominees requires that we do this. Our nation faces historic challenges and actions such as Senator Shelby’s incapacitate our democracy. The American people deserve leadership and action, not interminable delay.”

To this point Senate leadership has not shown any inclination to take on the GOP’s obstructionism. Now Shelby is essentially daring Harry Reid to stop him. The choice is now Harry Reid’s; take immediate and definitive action to rescue the Senate or continue to stand idly by as the GOP continues its assault on our democracy and ultimately wins back control of Congress in November.

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T.R. Donoghue is an attorney living in Denver, Colorado where he works on labor and employment issues. T.R. has worked extensively in public policy and politics and on both state and national campaigns with a focus on health-care, education and economic justice issues.  You ...

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  • rick g

    “To this point Senate leadership has not shown any inclination to take on the GOP’s obstructionism.”

    Probablet because GOP obstructionism in the Senate is a figment of your imagination. For over a year now the Democrats have had a bullet proof majority of 60 Senators. They ahve been able to pass, any bill, on any day without a single vote from a Republican.

    As of yesterday they have 59 Senators. More then most presidents get. Oh gee they have to actually get one Republican to vote their way. Yikes. How dare the Democrats be expected to govern?

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