Boxer Overrides GOP Boycott, Advances Climate Bill
| Thu Nov. 5, 2009 10:25 AM PST
Democrats on the Environment and Public Works Committee on Thursday voted to send the climate and energy bill from Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and John Kerry (D-Mass.) out of committee without amending it—thus overriding the Republican boycott of the markup.
According to committee rules, two members of the minority need to be present in order to begin marking up the bill. So the Democrats took advantage of a rule that allows them to simply report a bill out of committee with a simple majority vote, bypassing the markup altogether. It passed by 11 to 1. "It's unfortunate we had to go the route we did, but the Senate can't be paralyzed," said Boxer after the vote. "We did what we had to do."
The only Democrat to vote against advancing the unamended bill was Max Baucus (D-Mont.). He outlined two specific areas that he had wanted to change—lowering the 2020 emissions reduction target to 17 percent, with the ability to raise it back to 20 percent if other nations follow suit, and adjustments to the agricultural provisions. But Baucus affirmed that he will work with others in the Senate to "get climate change legislation that can get 60 votes."
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Of course, the Republican leadership on the panel is calling foul on Democrats' decision to skip the markup. "I am deeply disappointed by Chairman Boxer’s decision to violate the rules and longstanding precedent of the committee," said ranking member James Inhofe (R-Okla.) in a statement.
So what happens next? The Kerry-Boxer bill will be handed over to Reid's office, where he will eventually combine it with the energy measure that the Energy and Natural Resources Committee passed in June, as well as anticipated measures from the Finance, Commerce, and Agriculture committees. But the best hope for building momentum for a bill is probably the parallel effort by Sens. Kerry, Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) to craft consensus legislation among senators outside the committees. Those proposals will also be turned over to Reid.
Still, the path forward from here is unclear. In his remarks on Wednesday, Kerry only noted that there will be movement before the Copenhagen climate talks. "When and how we introduce this legislation will be determined by Harry Reid," said Kerry. Reid, however, has so far declined to offer a timetable.
Comments
It seems to me that both
Submitted by CTF (not verified) on Thu Nov. 5, 2009 11:23 AM PST.
It seems to me that both sides of the aisle are playing games with arguably the most important issue of our generation. Instead of continuing down this road, Congress should make a serious course correction — allowing for an honest and open debate on the issue and considering all available options. A real and lasting solution to climate change will only be possible through a fresh exchange of ideas, new partnerships, and coordinated activity at every level of the U.S. society: from individuals to activists to government to industry.
Who Kept Them Out?
Submitted by Patriot4Peace on Thu Nov. 5, 2009 1:23 PM PST.
You don't mean to suggest the Republicans were unaware of this procedural tactic when they took their ball and went home instead of showing up for work do you?
Inhofe was the only Republican to show up at the meeting, he delivered a message to the chair, and then got up and left.
I'm surprised the remaining Democrats didn't sit around wringing their hands as they usually do when they're told what to do by the Republicans. It's about time they started acting like they held a majority and told the Republicans exactly what George Bush told the Democrats since 9-11.
"Piss off, we're doing it my way and I only need 51 votes or we'll call you all traitors again."
- Nothing can now be believed which is seen in a newspaper. Truth itself becomes suspicious by being put into that polluted vehicle. Thomas Jefferson 6/11/1807
What other option was there
Submitted by ericf on Thu Nov. 5, 2009 1:25 PM PST.
You call it games, but the Republicans skipped the hearings and played a game to stop the markup. The only other option Democrats had was to drop the whole thing. Face facts, the Republicans have no intention in engaging in a debate to find the best ways to address the problem. They've decided the passage of anything is a defeat for them, so they will just obstruct and never compromise or seek solutions. I don't like games either, so I say change the Senate rules to make it a functional body again.
http://www.ravensblog.net
It is great But I am deeply
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