“Shame on them,” cried Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL). [View all]

[kentuck]

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2013/08/senate-republicans-filibuster-transportation-housing-bill.php?ref=fpa

<snip>
At a Capitol press conference immediately after the vote, Democrats, flanked by construction workers, fumed over the filibuster, accusing McConnell of arm-twisting his members and letting concerns about his reelection drive the outcome. The vote comes one day after House Republicans abruptly pulled THUD legislation from the floor, which cuts deeply into housing and transportation programs, after deciding it lacked the votes to pass.

McConnell said afterward that his opposition was driven by a desire to “keep our word” on spending levels agreed to in 2011. TPM asked him if he’ll insist on keeping domestic spending at sequestration levels but he dodged the question, saying he wouldn’t negotiate publicly.

<snip>
Democrats haven’t decided what they’ll do next. Lawmakers will go home this weekend and not return to Washington until September. The filibuster is a blow to the hopes of reaching an accord to keep the federal government open after funding runs out on Sept. 30, because the plan was to pass a bill through the Senate and pressure the House.

“It would be so unfortunate if we go home to our constituents in August and are forced to tell them that we’re unable to do our job,” Collins said before the vote.

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