The right-wing crackpots have been in a frenzy over the nomination of Kathleen Sebelius as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). And, as we all now know, the right-wing crackpots are all that's left in the GOP. Today, GOP Senate Leader Mitch McConnell announced, in so many words, that on behalf of the extremists in his caucus, the Republicans are filibustering the nomination of Sebelius. From Think Progress:
The Senate was expected to confirm President Obama's choice for Health and Human Services Secretary today, Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (D), but Senate Republicans refused to allow the vote, calling her a "fairly contentious" candidate:McConnell told the Washington Post that it's not a filibuster, but, big surprise, McConnell is being disingenuous. It is a Filibuster. Senate.gov provides a definition of filibuster:At the start of the session today, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) proposed taking a vote after five hours of debate. But Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) objected, arguing that lawmakers needed more time to consider her "fairly contentious" selection.
A handful of Republicans have complained about Sebelius' support for abortion rights and her failure to report the full extent of campaign contributions she received from a physician who performs abortions.
"Informal term for any attempt to block or delay Senate action on a bill or other matter by debating it at length, by offering numerous procedural motions, or by any other delaying or obstructive actions."That's what McConnell and his wingnuts are doing. Now, the Democrats need to roll over the Republicans. We need a Secretary of HHS. And, we don't need any more of the GOP's obstructionist tactics. Let's see if there are any Republican Senators who will stand up to the right wing whackos. Her nomination already got two Republican votes in Committee: Pat Roberts (KS) and Olympia Snowe (ME).
I'll never forget walking through the press corps in the East Room after Obama's first press and hearing one of the more famous reporters bitching to other reporters that Obama "filibustered" his answers. That said so much to me about the D.C.-based press corps. When the president can provide thoughtful answers, that meets the definition of a filibuster. But, when the Republicans actually filibuster in the Senate, reporters will almost never use the word.
Roll them, Senate Democrats. Put an end to this obstruction.
