Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

Senate Democrats are signaling they will reject an effort by Mitch McConnell to protect the legislative filibuster as part of a deal to run a 50-50 Senate, saying they have little interest in bowing to his demands just hours into their new Senate majority.

McConnell has publicly and privately pressed Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to work to keep the 60-vote threshold on most legislation as part of their power-sharing agreement. Democrats have no plans to gut the filibuster further, but argue it would be a mistake to take one of their tools off the table just as they're about to govern.

Many Democrats argue that having the threat of targeting the filibuster will be key to forcing compromise with reluctant Republicans. They also believe it would show weakness to accede to McConnell’s demand as he’s relegated to minority leader.

“Chuck Schumer is the majority leader and he should be treated like majority leader. We can get shit done around here and we ought to be focused on getting stuff done,” said Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.). “If we don’t, the inmates are going to be running this ship.”

“It would be exactly the wrong way to begin,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.). “We need to have the kind of position of strength that will enable us to get stuff done.”

Four years ago, as McConnell himself came under pressure from former President Donald Trump to gut the filibuster, 61 senators signed a letter to Senate leaders emphasizing the importance of protecting the supermajority requirement. And even now Democrats like Sens. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona and Joe Manchin of West Virginia say they want to keep the filibuster, emphasizing that it drives compromise.

For that reason, the filibuster appears safe for the immediate future regardless of what happens in the coming days. If Democrats were to change it, it would likely be in response to Republicans blocking their bills repeatedly. And there’s plenty of pent-up angst in the Democratic Party, which is now in control of both chambers of Congress and the White House for the first time in more than a decade.

Republicans say that the time to commit to keeping the filibuster is now, not at a moment of political fury over legislation that the minority blocks. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said the GOP simply wants to hear Schumer say “that we’re not going to change the legislative filibuster.”

“You want to do it before there’s an emotional, difficult, controversial issue. So that it isn’t issue-driven, it’s institution-driven,” said Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), who organized the 2017 letter from rank-and-file senators to Schumer and McConnell.

The fight over the filibuster holds major consequences, both immediate and into the future. McConnell and Schumer met on Tuesday for a half-hour about how to organize the Senate but came to no resolution. McConnell brought up the filibuster in that meeting, while Schumer argued the Senate should adopt the same rules from the last 50-50 Senate in 2001, which didn’t touch on the 60-vote threshold.

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The longer the standoff over the organizing package persists, the weirder the Senate will become. New senators have not been added to committees and the ratios have not changed, leaving the GOP in the majority on some panels. That’s already complicating the ability of the Senate to confirm some of President Joe Biden’s nominees.

“It’s exactly the opposite of the conversation that we should be having today,” said Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.). “To sort of jade the day of the inauguration and three new senators being sworn in with sort of political hostage-taking is, I think, an indication of how Machiavellian politics around here have become.”

Democrats could change the Senate rules to a simple majority with the support of all 50 Senate Democrats as well as Vice President Kamala Harris via the “nuclear option,” or a unilateral rules change. The rules have been changed by a majority three times since 2013, once by Democrats and twice by Republicans — first on gutting the filibuster on most nominations, then on Supreme Court picks and finally to shorten the debate time for some nominees. Changing the legislative filibuster would effectively make the Senate much more like the House, a majoritarian institution.

Democrats have not discussed the filibuster impasse with McConnell as a caucus yet, though they are expected to hold a party meeting by phone as soon as Thursday. And several Democrats said they aren’t sure exactly how Schumer will thread the needle with his GOP counterpart. Schumer has repeatedly declined to comment on the talks with McConnell and on the filibuster. Notably, McConnell held firm on keeping the filibuster rule in place even as Trump repeatedly attacked him on Twitter.

But Democrats have strong feelings on the subject that will be hard to reconcile with McConnell’s demand. As Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) put it: “I don’t think there is any way that Democrats would find it acceptable to invoke new rules that McConnell certainly never volunteered to abide by himself.”

“It’s generally up to the majority as to whether they want to pursue a conversation about changing the rules. And we should reserve that right,” added Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.). “I’m a supporter of filibuster reform, I obviously want to make my case to the caucus when and if that moment arises.”

Schumer may be able to satisfy McConnell with something less than a written commitment, perhaps a speech on the Senate floor or a verbal acknowledgement that his preference is not to invoke the nuclear option. But even some Republicans are skeptical that Democrats will give up their leverage so easily and simply trust that Republicans will work with them on legislation.

McConnell’s “reasoning is let’s do it now while we’re all in this management mode as opposed to under fire when there’s a burning issue,” said Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.). “I’m skeptical of the outcome. I think Mitch’s effort is noble but I just don’t think it ends there

https://www.politico.com/news/2021/0...1Os1pj6t8TxzGg

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

Hey guys, Senator Jon Tester (D-Montana) that u see in the article continuously voted no on DA since 2007 & is 1 of 5 Senate DINOs who voted nay on 2010 DA that failed in Senate with 5 votes.

before voting no on 2010 DA, Senator Jon Tester said the following: “Illegal immigration is a critical problem facing our country, but amnesty is not the solution. I do not support legislation that provides a path to citizenship for anyone in this country illegally.”

tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2362

Never forget his name and retaliate against him politically plz.

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

He will likely vote against Dream Act again. Always dodge questions about DACA.

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

Not sure Republicans will align with any democratic bill should the filibuster go. Still, if Democrats are serious about getting their legislative issues in they certainly can't afford to go along with Republican demands. Key problem is there are more than 50 percent conservative legislators in the senate.

Best that can be done is a consensus bill AGJOBS, DACA, and TPS individuals with some internal security measures and further funding for the wall.

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

Trump's nonsense clear Democrats to play dirty.

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

Exactly

Graham-Durbin revival

CIR will be done once nationwide e-verify and birthright citizenship are in play

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

There is even less of a chance for birthright citizenship being in play than a CIR passing Congress.
You need a constitutional amendment. Even if Congressional Democrats legislated a CIR bill removing birthright citizenship as a “deal” with Republicans, other outside groups would challenge it to oblivion in courts.

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

I’d be ok with ‘citizenship abandonment’ clause to temp down on birth tourism and such in exchange for CIR. But to get rid of birthright citizenship would be a mistake. It would place people in similar situation that we are in only worse. These individuals would have never been to the county of their parents citizenship.

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

Retaliate against him? He is a Montana Democrat.

Of course he doesn't want to support legalizing millions of illegals.

Although I do think he will support whatever DACA fix the Repubs are willing to support.

This is why we can't get things done.

People like you want revenge for past votes.

That seat would be won by a Republican in no time if he would not run for reelection again.

So let's focus on moderates. That's the key to passage of anything.

Also, I do AGREE that Republicans need to start acting in good faith and find compromise

But with Pelosi in the House, it's hard to compromise with such Leftist Democrats

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

If I was a Republican Senator, I would demand that no family sponsorship of DACA legalized individuals.

Stop the magnet. Our parents shouldn't be rewarded for their illegal behavior and the TOUGH situation they put us through here.

Then add more enforcement at the border, making sure any new illegal entry is right away turned away and prosecuted.

We need a nation of laws, not broken systems that only benefit bit corporations for cheap labor and keeps Dems in power so they can use us as political pawns

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

LOHOOO ZHE HEEERRRR hahahjaha

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

Who hurt you, son?

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

Holy shit. You're a psychopath.

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

That's a little too much man. CIR for LONG TIME undocumented which includes our parents is long overdue. Literally the only other option is deporting them and that will cost A LOT. I would legalize all but include VERY strong criminal background checks. There definitely has to be strong border security. If the far lefties oppose that, fuck them. Totally agree with this country needing to be a nation of laws but I strongly think the long time undocumented population needs to be legalized asap.

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

One solution would be to introduce a 1y temp work permit at a cost that can boost the uscis and HHS budget then make sure back taxes are paid first. This may seem harsh but that is the only way i see the GOP would even consider doing anything for 11M people.

I think the benefits of a work permit outweigh the downsides.

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

You realize that you're an illegal immigrant, you're a citizen of whatever country you came from. DACA is just a patch, you're still categorize as an illegal immigrant with temporary relief.

When you say "deporting them" include yourself in that group.

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

Yeah I do realize that....Thank you for chiming in, now what exact point are you trying to make? Ain't nobody deporting me if thats what you're trying to say....I'm not a convicted felon. DACA recipients who have not committed felonies cannot be deported. DACA recipients are "lawfully present". They couldn't even fuck with DACA recipients under Trump, what makes you think they'll do anything under Biden...

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

Sometimes, I wonder if you're Stephen Miller.

Forehead verification please.

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

JUSTINJHONS JUSTICE isn't eve an immigrant I'm willing to bet. More like a white supremacy k k k republi cant type of thing.

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

you're a big boy now. why don't you man up and leave. deport your illegal self like what a republican senator would want. tell you what if you self deport the rest of us might follow.

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

Okay here is my a reasonable CIR proposal:

1. Legalize DACA - separately, as the first bill.

* DACA with valid EAD will receive immediate green card (5 years) upon filing a pledge with a $1000 fee.

* DACA without a valid EAD by postmark date will have to file a new application and pay $1000 fee

* DACA can not sponsor anyone except their spouse

* DACA who did not renew since 2017 due to fear and has good standing (school, working) and no criminal charges, they are eligible. DACA who stopped renewing before Trump/Sessions' termination of DACA (before Jan 1, 2017), will not be eligible. They have to wait for the CIR (see below).

* GC is valid for 5 years, renewable one time, but cannot file citizenship until the end of the 5th year.


2. For the remaining 10M+ undocumented immigrants:

* adults who have been paying taxes as recently as 2019 - they will receive a conditional green card up to 10 years and they can only apply for citizenship 10 years later. This will kill any Republican's false news about "oh they are trying to win voters". 10 years is a fucking long time, some won't even vote. 2 presidential elections would have been passed already and given backlog, interview, and exam, it's possible a lot of folks won't even get to vote for another 2-3 years.

* all adults must pay a one-time $2000 fine - and for the next 10 years they are not eligible for any food stamp / green-card eligible public federal benefits. Sounds cruel, but it is what it is, to shut Republicans' mouth.

* Anyone who doesn't file a tax return on time will lose their green card - or face $10,000 charge for appeal, maximum one time - sorry pal. It isn't hard to find time to file one every year. If they miss filing again, they lose it immediately and will be issued a deportation notice.

* Non-DACA who becomes citizen cannot sponsor anyone, including their own children abroad, to the USA, forever.

* These Non-DACA cannot adjust their status via marriage with a citizen. They are barred from citizenship for 10 years.

Anyone who is not eligible for DACA or the CIR, must return, or will be deported. No judge hearing. You are gone the next day. Any officers who arrest undocumented immigrants improperly will face jail time between 2 - 5 years, and a $100k fine imposed.

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

Also

* reform ICE - rebrand it, add more judges, more processing centers, make sure inspector generals are given all the power to investigate corruption (ICE is known to work with cartels)

* ICE who arrest undocumented immigrants at court house without a judge warrant will be fired immediately

* new federal laws to protect immigration rights + new congressional annual commission on the new ICE's operation

* remove lottery visa completely

* add 20k more H1B head counts to high skill workers

* tax incentive for hiring more Americans (up to 0.5% of federal payroll taxes)

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

you shouldn’t be rewarded either. you are guilty by association with your parents. they should deport you and your whole family.

this guy was on Bidens nuts Spring 2020 then went full on MAGA on Summer 2020 saying Trump will win easily.

no credibility, foh loser gay maga boy. go join Parler, clown.

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

I agree with JohnJustice.

Whole fking heartedly

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

:D:-o

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

You guys probably don't show up to Thanksgiving to be with your parents and family and just drink the day away in your dark apartment.

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

it's more like we didn't have a single bill for last 11 yrs & now we actually have a realistic chance of passing a bill only if UWD & their followers don't fk it up

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

Hated this guy ever since.

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

Social distancing FTW

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

There still a lot of work to do before a bill with a chance of passing can get to congress. They need to take their time and get it right.

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

Make no mistake. UWD and affiliated organizations will do their level best to ensure no bill clears the Senate and House. This is literally a threat to their very existence. The need the current situation to continue in order to continue maintaining strong cash flow. It is their very business model. Our main obstacles are right wing GOPers, ultra left wing Congress people (who want Clean DA) and big time mafia immigrant organizations like UWD.

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

You're a MAGA after all, you will like that.

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

People who think UWD have any power are the same morons who think the election was stolen

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

They don't have power, but it's just annoying to hear them bitch.

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

Their power is in the people they can reach, their donations, their ability to lobby congressmen, and the number of people they represent. An illusion of power is still power as long as others believe it.

I dont support UWD simply because their business model not conducive to CIR and finding a permanent solution to our situation. I believe certain people in there have sincere intentions but some of their policies and approach make me question their leadership's motivation.

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

They can lobby legislators, but legislators just can decide to ignore them in the end. Lol

But, I do agree that I don't like their strategies/policies. A lot of them are shit talking little bitches that deserve to get popped in the mouth.

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

Like you...since you donate thousands of pesos to them?


https://media.giphy.com/media/3ohzdY...Vk88/giphy.gif

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

What is Kenya's currency called ?

Re: Democrats poised to Rebuff McConnell's filibuster demands
 

You guys think UWD has the power to influence politicians. Let that sink for a second. You’re done wishing to storm the capital now?