The return of amendments to the Senate bills brings with it retention of the filibuster and ‘cloture’ 60-vote threshold.
Taking the first part first, those amendments have a name. During the Obamcare fiasco you might remember a few of them: “The cornhusker kickback” (Nelson), “The Louisiana Purchase” (Landrieu), the “Florida Gator Aide” (Nelson). These “amendments” are purchases of Senator’s votes with sweetheart closed-door deals, they are not enhancements to the bill, they are bribes for support.
Now the second part. Presume a 55/45 split. The Majority needs to purchase votes from the minority in order to reach 60. That’s where “amendments” offer the highest price. K-Street Lobbyists pay for minority senators to support the amendment. Lots of money is made.
Mitch McConnell and Harry Reid were not in opposition to each other on the business end of this process. Their personal wealth benefitted greatly.
The high-minded MAGA Republicans are advocating for returning to, and retention of, this process.
The return of amendments to the Senate bills brings with it retention of the filibuster and ‘cloture’ 60-vote threshold.
Taking the first part first, those amendments have a name. During the Obamcare fiasco you might remember a few of them: “The cornhusker kickback” (Nelson), “The Louisiana Purchase” (Landrieu), the “Florida Gator Aide” (Nelson). These “amendments” are purchases of Senator’s votes with sweetheart closed-door deals, they are not enhancements to the bill, they are bribes for support.
Now the second part. Presume a 55/45 split. The Majority needs to purchase votes from the minority in order to reach 60. That’s where “amendments” offer the highest price. K-Street Lobbyists pay for minority senators to support the amendment. Lots of money is made.
Mitch McConnell and Harry Reid were not in opposition to each other on the business end of this process. Their personal wealth benefitted greatly.
The high-minded MAGA Republicans are advocating for returning to, and retention of, this process.