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A big topic of conversation in the Beltway and beyond is the new Republican leadership elections scheduled for next week. While most are asking who will replace Boehner’s team, the more important question is what will they do differently?
I remember Boehner promising all bills would be posted for 72 hours before a vote. I think that lasted until the first omnibus, pass at midnight, resolution came to the floor. I am not too interested in the promises made by anyone on Boehner’s leadership team.
I believe the promise was 3 days – which they skirted with a technicality by starting the clock at 11:59pm on day 1, and closing at 12:01AM on day 3 – a point of high disgust with many Members.
Concur promises aren’t worth much, but this is really about setting the table for what a new leadership will feel their Members are pressing them to do to distinguish themselves.
Sen. Vitter led the effort to identify who signed the application to designate the U.S. congress as a small business. Rand Paul derailed the effort. Paul is a perfect example of what happens after arriving in D.C. and infected with the establishment virus. It’s hard to distinguish Paul from McConnell which explains the failure of Paul’s presidential candidacy.
This is a good idea.
Isn’t that the problem?
I like it! Ask Members of Congress early and often: “Should Congress have to live under the same health care law as most of the public or continue to get subsidized gold coverage?” Call in to talk shows, put it on placards, show up to public events, and generally get in their faces. Polititians fall in line fast when enough people are paying attention.
Solon JF – indeed it is the problem. Revoking the exemption will never get a vote until it is, in the cost/benefit calculation of Members, more worth voting to revoke than to keep. Which is why this is a good moment for it – any new leadership will be looking for things to do to distinguish themselves, and this operates to that end on many levels.
Yes!
Congressmen should be required to live under the laws they pass – all the laws.
This has been a mantra of conservatives since at least the early 1970’s.
The thing about a mantra is that it needs to be repeated frequently. Mr. Fulmer is doing his part, as we should as well.
It didn’t work back then either. I agree with Richard, but which Republican leader is going to make it happen. The Republicans have already colluded with the Democrats to identify Congress as a small business under Obamacare. So, who you gonna call.
What do I want leadership to do differently? Lead. I feel like all I’ve heard is what is not possible with the entire congress in republican hands. I’d like to start hearing a message of what is possible and what we will do and then see it done.
What I hear: We can’t change the law, Obama will veto it.
Better: We can’t change the law but we will bring attention to the issue.
Best: We can’t change the law, but we will force democrats and Obama to take a very unpopular/immoral stance.
I guess I don’t see what they really have to lose politically. They will lose those sweet cadillac plans, but they will certainly distinguish themselves. It would be nice to get congress’s approval rating up, and a move like this could influence the presidential race.