Senate Republicans filibuster student loan bill

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6. Taking hostages has worked so well the last couple of years

Why would the Republicans abandon this incredibly useful tool now? Every time they hold something up, they get something they want. They never have to pay a price, nobody ever holds them to account for their obstructionist ways. At the most, someone might say, schoolmarmishly, "Play nice, now!" And the sniggering bullies just laugh and wait to see what their reward will be this time. More money for defense contractors? Further cuts to programs that help citizens who might vote Democratic? What policies, priorities or personnel will Democrats sell down the river this time to appease the Republicans? And why in the world would the Republicans stop using such a winning tactic? It always benefits them and never costs them.