Top story: One idea that seems to bind the Obamacare, immigration and, now, food stamp stories is that elements of the House GOP are not afraid to “filibuster” any sensible solution — nor emasculate their leader, John Boehner, in the process.
- Only the Senate may filibuster, say our 10th-grade U.S. government teachers. But if you don’t trust me or Mr. Miller, then trust Wikipedia: (Wikipedia)
- However, even the Senate’s homepage calls the term “informal”, which means we can formulate a definition for the word that fits the current climate in the GOP-controlled House. (Senate.gov)
- Today, for instance, we found out that John Boehner wants to hold the 38th (we think) vote to repeal Obamacare. Why? Well, crossing the 38th worked so well for MacArthur. Why not do it again? (NBC News)
- We kid. Actually, this is an example of a House GOP “filibuster.” Obamacare does need some work. Yet, a minority of the House (all Republicans) want to deny those fixes. And so, they “filibuster” any solutions with demands of more votes for repeal. (The Atlantic Wire)
- Or, to quote The Washington Post’s Ezra Klein: “The regulatory solution reflects the fact that the legislative process around the health-care law is completely broken. Republicans won’t pass any legislation that makes the law work better. Improving the law, they fear, will weaken the arguments for repeal.” (Wonkblog)
- But that’s not the only “filibuster”. No. Remember that farm bill that was so conservative it couldn't pass the Senate but wasn't conservative enough for that same GOP minority and so it failed — much to Boehner’s embarrassment? It’s back, only this time missing ALL of the food stamp money (you know, poor people — blegh!). (Talking Points Memo)
- But guess what? Still not good enough. Because John Boehner — who is increasingly having to play Theon Greyjoy to his conference’s Ramsay Snow — appears to have been emasculated once again as, apparently, ZERO dollars for the poor is still too much. (Roll Call)
- And immigration? That, too, should pass. Most Democrats and enough Republicans want it as well. But a few dozen Republicans — and a few editorialists — do not and so, voila!, filibuster! (Mother Jones)
- And so you see: A minority in the House can thwart the will of the majority to compromise on major legislation. Much more of this and they may start calling Boehner "Reek". ("Games of Thrones" wiki)