Senate Dems Strip Republicans of Power
By Susan Ferrechio
The GOP tried to force Democrats to vote on Obamas $447 billion jobs-creation bill to prove that even the presidents own party doesnt su
pport the proposal. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid D-Nev. responded to the Republican effort with a proposal approved 51-48 that changed the rules of the Senate and stripped Republicans of their power to offer amendments to bills.
Republicans tried to attach the jobs bill to a measure dealing with China.
Senate Republicans tried to embarrass Democrats who dont support President Obamas job bill by forcing a vote on the measure Thursday but Democrats responded by stripping Republicans of legislative power.
It was an unusual and devastating blow to the minority party.
Reid and Democrats said they retaliated because they have grown tired of Republicans trying to slow down or block legislation with amendments unrelated to the bill on the floor.
This has to come to an end Reid said. This is no way to legislate.
Sen. Charles Schumer D-N.Y. told Republicans they lost their power to change legislation on the floor because you filibuster everything.
Republicans decried the move.
America doesnt need less debate it needs more debate said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky. I think we made a big mistake tonight.
Republicans pushed for a vote on Obamas jobs bill to demonstrate that many Democrats dont support the presidents effort because it would raise taxes on
people who earn $200000 or more a year. Obama has been traveling the country telling voters that the only obstacle to his job-creating proposal was the Republican Party.
Senate Democrats have already altered Obamas proposal to replace the tax increase he proposed with a 5 percent surcharge only on those who earn $1 million or more a year.
Obama said Thursday that hes comfortable with that change.
The dispute over the jobs bill derailed a vote on the China bill which would penalize the Chinese for manipulating the value of their currency until next week.
