Repub Infants in Senate Walk Out on EPA Director Vote, Just to Be a Pain In the Ass

[wtmusic]

"The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee was scheduled to vote today at 9:15 on the nomination of Gina McCarthy to be the next EPA Administrator. Despite the fact that she has answered more than a thousand of the committee’s questions, Senate Republicans announced just before the hearing that they would be boycotting the vote, denying the committee quorum and postponing the confirmation hearing.

The committee rules require that at least two members of the minority party be present during a vote. Not a single Republican bothered to show up.

Senator Barbara Boxer, Chair of the committee, still held a meeting, allowing the Democrats in attendance to try to explain to the American people why they still have no EPA Administrator. The ostensible reason that the Republicans boycotted today’s vote was because they said she did not satisfactorily answer their questions. Senator Boxer reminded those present that Gina McCarthy has already answered more than a thousand questions from the committee and moreover is eminently qualified with an excellent track record of working with the business community and and both parties to do her job. Boxer later floated the idea of changing the rules of the committee so that a boycott such as this would not gum up the works. She urged her GOP colleagues to listen to the many “mainstream” Republicans who support Gina McCarthy’s nomination and “get out of the fringe lane.” If senators oppose a nominee, they should show up and vote against the nominee, not hold the process hostage for ideological reasons."

http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2013/05/09/1986361/republican-senators-boycott-vote-on-gina-mccarthys-nomination-to-head-epa/

Unbelievable.

[MADem]

1. I misread your headline--I honestly thought "Pain in the ass" was "Palin in the ass!"

Need new glasses...

It made me stop and read, though!!!!

[Warpy]

2. When this happens in the Senate

where we have a majority, crybaby Republicans who do this should face discipline, like fines.

This was nothing but pouting Republicans doing theater for the teabaggers back home.

Yes, I'd feel the same if the Democrats did this. if the GOP were the grown ups.

You object, file the objection, vote "no," and make protest speeches. Just do your fucking job.

[wtmusic]

3. +1

Democrats have their moments, but the current crop of Republicans are beneath contempt.