GOP games with the debt ceiling crisis are a perfect excuse to create new filibuster exceptions

[andym]

Last edited Tue Oct 5, 2021, 11:16 PM - Edit history (3)

like those that exist for reconciliation and judicial appointments, which can be used not only to raise the debt ceiling (a special exception), but also one for civil/constitutional rights (for voting rights). McConnell should be wary of the effect of his games. The emergency of a default should be enough to justify it even for moderates.

Update Senate Democrats and Joe Biden are now floating the idea at least for raising the debt limit.
See post:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100215921187#post20

[Raven123]

1. I have mixed feelings. This is exactly what Mitch wants

[wryter2000]

3. I'm not sure it is what he wants

True, that would give him amazing power if he gets the majority back, but if he gets the majority back, he can create carve-outs or get rid of the filibuster all together without our help. We'd get a ton of stuff done while we are in office if we get rid of the filibuster completely.

Do you think there's another reason Mitch would want us to do this? I might be overlooking something.

[Mad_Machine76]

7. If he carves out for the debt ceiling too

who cares?

[wryter2000]

15. IMHO, it would be easier to get a carve-out for this debt ceiling than for Build Back Better

I'm sure Manchin would like to avoid an international catastrophe. One would hope Sinema would, too. Or, I guess you could get a carve out for debt ceiling and recruit a few Republicans. Maybe Romney and Murkowski.

[Celerity]

21. Build Back Better is under reconciliation rules, there is no filibuster threat

[wryter2000]

22. Right

So it needs no new carve out. It would if we used reconciliation to raise the debt limit. That’s what I meant.

[PortTack]

9. He wants President Biden to waste the one reconciliation bill we have on raising the debt ceiling

So there’s no option to pass the infrastructure bill

[wryter2000]

12. If they get rid of the filibuster, he wouldn't need to use reconciliation

It would pass with a simple majority.

[Raven123]

11. He would love the Dems to throw away their reconciliation option

Part of me wonders if Mitch hasn’t lost control of his own party in the Senate. I struggle to believe there aren’t 10 GOP members who would vote with Dems to overcome the filibuster, just because of how irresponsible it would be to not act on this issue, but maybe I am wrong. Looks like a game of chicken right now. Dems have to stick together and pound the GOP for their irresponsible behavior. I can’t believe the money behind the GOP wants the economy to crash.

[wryter2000]

13. No filibuster, no reconciliation necessary

Raise the debt ceiling with a simple majority and save reconciliation for Build Back Better.

On edit: I totally agree the money people behind the Rs can't want a financial catastrophe. I think they must be working on McConnell and the rest of them. And while I agree some Rs can't be happy about this, I can't imagine getting 10 of them.

[crud]

2. I hope they get rid of it.

I know it looks like McConnell is boxing us in and forcing this, but fuck it. Time to get down, mother fuckers, that's what I'm hoping for.

[wryter2000]

4. It sounds like it would be an utter catastrophe, worldwide, if we don't raise the debt ceiling.

I think we might even get some R's to rebel on this and vote with us. I can't imagine 10 would, though.

[PortTack]

10. The gqp pulled the same stunt on President Clinton and President Obama, didn't work!

Somewhat different circumstances, but it didn’t work! They were the ones looking bad.
Turtle’s threatening letter to President Biden is proof he’s thinking the Dems aren’t going to fall for their nonsense

[wryter2000]

16. I remember that

They've also done government shut-downs that hurt them. It's hard to believe they think this is a good strategy. Either they'll have to back down, or they'll get the blame for something as stupid as invading Iraq.

[raging moderate]

5. It isn't the real filibuster anymore, anyway.

After the changes the other side has made in the filibuster, we should go ahead and make whatever changes are necessary to save our Republic.

[crud]

6. Maybe they can keep the filibuster

and just add the retsubilif rule to undo it. ridiculous...

Just fucking use your power please before it's too late.

[ThoughtCriminal]

8. The same Senators that are enabling this

will block changes to the filibuster. No amount of damage to this country seems to move them.

[FBaggins]

14. There's already a filibuster exception like the one that exists for reconciliation

It's called reconciliation.

It's just that we don't want to use it.

[wryter2000]

17. We'd add a new one

for debt ceiling. It's not the same thing as reconciliation.

[FBaggins]

18. The point is that it already exists

The filibuster does not apply to debt ceiling increases through reconciliation.

[dsc]

19. but it does apply to a suspension which is actually what we want to do

and what was done repeatedly, with Democratic help, during the Trump years.

[andym]

20. Looks like Senate Dems and Joe Biden agrees!

https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/575456-senate-democrats-float-filibuster-carve-out-for-debt-ceiling
Senate Democrats float filibuster carveout for debt ceiling
BY JORDAIN CARNEY - 10/05/21 06:31 PM EDT
Senate Democrats are discussing creating an exemption from the filibuster for the debt ceiling, even as they acknowledge that it’s unclear they have the support in their caucus for such a move.

The idea was brought up during a closed-door caucus lunch on Tuesday, sources confirmed to The Hill, as Democrats try to figure out how to avoid a historic debt default.

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), who told reporters as recently as Monday that there were not active talks, confirmed to The Hill on Tuesday that Democrats are now discussing a filibuster carveout for the debt ceiling.


“There are discussions,” he told The Hill, asked about the status of potential talks....."
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Joe Biden Says Dems May Sidestep Senate Filibuster Rule, in New Clash With Joe Manchin
https://www.newsweek.com/joe-biden-says-dems-may-sidestep-senate-filibuster-rule-new-clash-joe-manchin-1635970
"As a standoff over the debt ceiling continues, President Joe Biden said Tuesday that Democrats may sidestep the Senate's filibuster rules to get quick approval in raising the debt limit.

The president has previously resisted rule changes over other issues but his comments come just days before the October 18 deadline issued by the Treasury Department of when it will run short of funds to handle the nation's debt and risk severe economic consequences. As the date approaches, Democrats are considering fast options.

"It's a real possibility," Biden told reporters outside the White House."...