House GOP changes rules to thwart Dems

[TomCADem]

Source: The Hill

Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) is changing the way the House considers spending measures to try to prevent Democrats from offering surprise amendments that have recently put the GOP on defense.

House Republican leaders have been blindsided multiple times by Democrats offering politically volatile amendments to appropriations bills. Starting as soon as next month, Ryan is expected to make it harder for the minority party to attempt to embarrass the majority.

* * *
Upon winning majority control five years ago, House Republicans, led by then-Speaker John Boehner (Ohio), brought back the use of a freewheeling process known as an “open rule” to consider annual appropriations bills. Under that procedure, members of either party can offer unlimited amendments without having to give advance notice to their colleagues or the public. On most other bills, the majority party’s leaders control which amendments get floor time.

Top Republicans have touted the use of open rules as a return to “regular order” and a way to empower individual members. But it has backfired spectacularly on House Republicans twice in the last year.



Read more: http://www.thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/281077-house-gop-seeks-to-avoid-more-unexpected-floor-fights

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I love the smell of hypocrisy early in the morning.

[elleng]

1. Both parties play with the rules often;

I thought that's only done at beginning of sessions. Guess I was wrong.

[herding cats]

2. Tradition has been tossed out the window.

Now, things are different.

It's as if it's a war between the parties.

[elleng]

3. Surely a war between the parties.

[trudyco]

4. Flags? Are the Dems purposely doing this so once again the repubs can't pass anything?

I think every amendment should be publicly discussed at least 30 minutes. No surprises from either side. The public has a better chance of knowing what's going on before bills go for a vote. More transparency is better in the long run.

[keithbvadu2]

5. That's a tough task.

They would have to actually do some work.

[bucolic_frolic]

6. So much for Ryan being a Speaker for all the people

He sounded a new tone, and it sounded like all would be heard at all times

But he's just like Boehner

and I think Ryan lies more often if that's possible