If McConnell Thinks Democrats Are Deliberately Delaying Process, He Could Go Nuclear
The Senate majority leader has the option to cut off dilly-dallying if he deems it necessary, but it would be creating a new precedent for how the Senate operates. Republican leaders are also sending signals that they could use a rule to go around the parliamentarian's ruling on the legislation.
Politico:
How The GOP Could Go Nuclear On Obamacare Repeal
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has promised that senators will get unlimited opportunity for amendments in any health care floor fight next week. Senate Democrats aren’t so sure. Riled-up liberal activists are urging Democrats to effectively filibuster the GOP’s health care bill by attacking it with hundreds of amendments. But Democratic senators are floating the prospect that McConnell will move to cut off the vote-a-rama if he feels Democrats are putting up votes on amendments purely as a delay tactic — a maneuver that would effectively be tantamount to a legislative nuclear option. (Kim, 6/21)
CQ Roll Call:
GOP Might Buck Senate Rules To Pass Health Care Overhaul
Republicans could make a small, but significant change to historic Senate procedure in order to advance their legislation to rework the U.S. health insurance system, a move that could have notable impact on the future of the chamber’s operations. GOP leaders are sending signals that, if necessary, they plan to invoke a seldom-used rule included in the Congressional Budget Act that would allow Budget Chairman Michael B. Enzi of Wyoming to skirt a decision from the chamber’s parliamentarian, a key gatekeeper for the budget maneuver known as reconciliation that Republicans are using to advance their health insurance measure. (Williams, 6/21)
