The conservatives strike back: House floor fight imperils popular bills

[DonViejo]

Democrats warn that this latest gambit from the right could erode one of the last vestiges of bipartisanship.

By MELANIE ZANONA and SARAH FERRIS

03/09/2021 04:18 PM EST

Updated: 03/09/2021 06:03 PM EST

House Republicans warned Democrats not to weaken one of their few powers in the minority. Now the GOP is seeking procedural payback.

A frustrated slice of the GOP conference is attempting to hamstring the House by refusing to allow quick passage of non-controversial bills — instead forcing every member to cast their vote on the floor and sometimes adding extra procedural votes. The rebellious Republicans say they're responding to broad anger with how Democrats are running the House, from the lack of GOP amendment opportunities to the razor-wire fences erected around the Capitol.

“We’re going to fight fire with fire,” said Rep. Randy Weber (R-Texas). “It’s just that simple.”

In some ways, the GOP’s tactics are an escalation of how hard-line conservatives have exercised their power for years — making it more painful for those in the majority to operate, whether it's Democrats or their own party in charge. But Democrats warn that this latest gambit from the right could erode one of the last vestiges of bipartisanship in the House, where relationships have already deteriorated in the wake of the deadly Jan. 6 riot.

Democrats argue that attempting to force House votes late into the night for little purpose other than agitation could dramatically slow the chamber’s work for years to come.

more
https://www.politico.com/news/2021/03/09/house-suspension-bill-republican-payback-474750

[gratuitous]

1. "We're going to fight fire with fire"

Didn't you do that on January 6, Randy? Sit your ass down.

[Bettie]

2. "Last Vestiges of Bipartisanship"?

That ship sailed a long time ago. Republicans have not been willing to compromise at all for years.

They are just having a hissy fit because they want to be the ones in charge. You don't give in to a toddler in mid-tantrum.

[Cirque du So-What]

3. There aren't even vestiges of vestiges at this point

They're merely obstructionists.

[Bettie]

6. Exactly

Why is it that the "elections have consequences" people only mean that when they are the ones who aren't living with the consequences.

Frankly Democrats are being far more accommodating than they were in the majority.

[bottomofthehill]

4. They are BS time wasting bills anyway to Pad the numbers

Naming post offices and other bullshit that wastes time and passes 420 -2 time to do away with the BS anyway.

[bottomofthehill]

5. Wait until after Covid and pass them in a series of 2 minute votes.

[modrepub]

7. Make Roll Votes Like a School Test

Everyone at their desk, no phones, one hall pass to use the bathroom and no food or drink at the desk until roll call is done. You want to gum up the works? Fine, treat everyone like they're back in school. Totally childish.

[lapfog_1]

8. change the rules...

every member of a committee or sub-committee has to be voted on and only those approved by a simple majority will be assigned.

Repuke traitors can show up to vote, that's it.

don't even allow them to speak or offer amendments.

[pecosbob]

9. GOP GFY

If and when you can act like adults we will again engage with you. Until then, f^ck off.