With the bill finally arriving in Democratic hands for the first time, you might think Republicans would set aside some time for discussion and questions. A few days. A few hours. Maybe a few minutes. You’d be wrong.
With an hour before the vote, Republican Senator Mike Enzi refused not just to answer any questions, he refused to allow Democrats to ask any questions. He refused to yield for points of order. And he said nothing about what was actually in the bill about to be voted on. Instead he took his time repeating the same tired falsehoods about the ACA and in particular stating that Democrats wouldn’t admit that there was anything wrong and had no suggestions. But every time a Democrat rose, they were graveled down.
Multiple senators made multiple attempts to simply ask a question about the bill. Enzi refused them all. Meanwhile Enzi droned on and one, eating up time while wandering farther and farther from the critical vote ahead. How determined was Enzi to simply waste the time available?
“I’m going to use my hour, even if some of it is in silence.”
Meanwhile, Mike Pence is on his way to the Senate, which is a good sign that Republicans feel they have all the votes they need.
Friday, Jul 28, 2017 · 4:45:02 AM +00:00
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Joan McCarter
Sen. John McCain just had his chance to go to “regular order” on this, with the procedural motion from Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) to send the bill back to an actual committee for an actual legislative process. He said "NO” of course. So did all of his Republican colleagues. So much for the Senate. On to the shit sandwich next.