The Other McCain

"One should either write ruthlessly what one believes to be the truth, or else shut up." — Arthur Koestler

Questions Regarding Tuesday’s 20 Pen Marathon

Posted on | March 24, 2010 | 4 Comments

by Smitty

Cassy has a bravo zulu post* about Obamacare, specifically, the GOP Senate strategy:

It’s not just a game. It’s strategy, and it was a brilliant move by Senate Republicans. Think about it: if the reconciliation bill is changed in any way, it has to go back to the House for yet another vote. And the Democrats want this passed right now. However, this amendment puts them in a sticky situation: vote against it, and you’ve just said that you want to give Viagra to kiddie rapists. The campaign ads would practically write themselves.

OK, so, Tuesday’s deed was an act of legislatus interruptus. The proper Article I motion of law has been altered here. BHO has signed what should be a final product. As Congress does this reconciliation dance, and another bill emerges, what does it mean?

  • Will there be another score of pens expended to re-sign the dastardly document?
  • What if a poison pill were inserted, such that BHO felt compelled to veto the thing?  Would the veto cover the full monty, or just the edits after Tuedsay?
  • Can Congress hold the Executive accountable for details in the bill that differ after the first signing, or are they as meaningful as the Stupak EO?

The Constitution and the relatively known process were good enough. The collaboration of the 111th Congress and Obama Administration on creative, hyper-partisan, ultra-pragmatic work-arounds for the established process are indicators of a process in dire need of re-affirmation.

*Bravo Zulu

Category: Barack Obama, Health Care

Comments

4 Responses to “Questions Regarding Tuesday’s 20 Pen Marathon”

  1. Joe
    March 25th, 2010 @ 12:02 am

    The major damage was done today and during Sunday’s vote. Helms Deep fell to the Orcs (sorry Rodan and the kids didn’t even get health care). Blue Dogs betrayed…well whatever they stand for although and that appears to be not much. But the battle for Mid(dle) Terms Elections starts now.

  2. Joe
    March 25th, 2010 @ 12:02 am

    The major damage was done today and during Sunday’s vote. Helms Deep fell to the Orcs (sorry Rodan and the kids didn’t even get health care). Blue Dogs betrayed…well whatever they stand for although and that appears to be not much. But the battle for Mid(dle) Terms Elections starts now.

  3. Joe
    March 24th, 2010 @ 7:02 pm

    The major damage was done today and during Sunday’s vote. Helms Deep fell to the Orcs (sorry Rodan and the kids didn’t even get health care). Blue Dogs betrayed…well whatever they stand for although and that appears to be not much. But the battle for Mid(dle) Terms Elections starts now.

  4. Virginia Right! News Hound for 3/25/2010 | Virginia Right!
    March 25th, 2010 @ 5:27 am

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