Chuck Schumer's Power Play

[DonViejo]

March 29, 2021 at 5:42 am EDT By Taegan Goddard

Punchbowl News: “Aides to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) have asked the parliamentarian whether they can double dip, using the 2021 budget resolution to pass two reconciliation bills. The American Rescue Plan got through Capitol Hill using the fiscal year 2021 budget resolution. Schumer wants to know if he can use it again.”

“This is potentially a very big deal. It could give Democrats and President Joe Biden a chance to do at least two more reconciliation bills this year (one FY 2021, one FY 2022), if Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough agrees with the Democrats’ arguments, which rely on their interpretation of the 1974 Congressional Budget Act and reconciliation procedures.”

Axios: “If the Senate parliamentarian upholds Schumer’s interpretation, Democrats can pass more pieces of the party’s agenda without having to bust the filibuster rule, which requires at least 60 votes — and therefore 10 Republicans in the 50-50 Senate.”

Playbook: “While Democrats haven’t made a final decision on the legislative strategy, there is deep skepticism in both the White House and among Senate Democrats that any 60-vote bill on any significant issue is possible this year. It was already conventional wisdom that Biden is likely to be able to pass two reconciliation bills and almost nothing else. Now, Schumer may try to squeeze a third one out of the system.”

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https://politicalwire.com/2021/03/29/democrats-want-to-double-dip/

[The Magistrate]

1. And If She Says 'No', Sir

Then fire her and put in somebody who'll say 'Yes!'


"Can't nobody here play this game?"

[msfiddlestix]

3. This 10,000 %

[FBaggins]

4. So you're saying to ignore whatever the rules actually say?

I think that would set a bad precedent... and also accomplish little (since you still need 51 votes behind any such ruling)

[The Magistrate]

7. Absolutely, Sir

While one possesses power, by however slender a margin, it must be used to accomplish your goals. Accomplishing your goals is what you were elected to do. Achieving goals is the best way of increasing a slender margin.

One clerical hireling of the Congress has neither the right nor the ultimate power to say a Senate majority cannot enact legislation it has a majority for.

The precedent has already been set, and a good while back. But even if it hadn't, best to steal a march and get there first....

[Karadeniz]

8. Didn't Bushie or someone fire a parliamentarian for giving the wrong answer? Don't know the

Details.

[FBaggins]

9. Trent Lott

It was the last time the Senate was split 50/50... and was also over something they wanted to sneak through with reconciliation.

Democrats correctly opposed the move at the time.

[The Magistrate]

11. As Would Republicans This Time, Sir

Do what you have the votes to do, by whatever means necessary.

Norms, comity, collegiality and mutual respect --- these things no longer exist.

If it is the policy your voters support, and elected you to achieve, enact it.

Going to the polls in 2022 saying, 'Well, we sure would have, but the Senate Parliamentarian says we can't so, what'cha gonna do, eh? You're voting for me again, right? Ain't I the guy you want up in Washington fighting for you?'

If all you get is yawn you'll be lucky. Allowing our majority to be overruled by an un-elected hireling who serves at the pleasure of the Majority Leader, is begging for a Republican majority in the Senate two years from now.

[Bettie]

5. Right?

We need to stop bringing a casserole to a gun fight. (Metaphorical casserole and gunfight, obviously)

[msfiddlestix]

2. i really wish this report wasn't made public in advance of the strategy taking effect.

Wonder who leaked this to the press? damn it to hell.

[lagomorph777]

6. Whatever it takes!

[lindysalsagal]

10. I'm so glad to see the dems really going for it while they hold power.

We'll be able to list so many accomplishments in 2024.