Take a look at the video below, which shows Republicans shouting down Democrats attempting to speak about their support for the bill. What a pathetic display.
The legislative process is often messy, and it can look somewhat chaotic even on bills that are not particularly contentious. But when one party is determined to try to obstruct the process, then it’s a veritable circus. As Democratic lawmakers attempted to speak on the health reform bill, Republican obstructionists tried to shout them down with procedural maneuvers. Republicans shouted over Democratic speakers with this refrain: “I object… I object… I object…”
Clearly this was a stunt meant to show (if it had not handled well by the chair — which was it, and very effectively), that Republicans were denied a voice in the debate. The Democrats did not fall for it. Republicans play hardball that is meant to speak to 3rd graders, never forget that.
A bit more inforamtion about the context of this video. The Democrats earlier in the day did not have enough votes to pass the health care bill. As a stalling mechanism, all women Democratic representative were sent out to the floor to speak one by one and delay the proceedings. There was absolutely no substance to their remarks but just a procedural way to filibuster until enough Democratic arms could be twisted so Pelosi could get more than 218.
That is why the Republican caucus was objecting. Also, note Pelosi was not on the floor and in charge, again signifying the uselessness of the procedural move for any real debate.
Wow. You don't understand the meaning of the term "filibuster" either? Crazy, man!
Furthermore, Pelosi didn't wield the gavel throughout the entire process. This signifies that you completely failed to pay attention, making your observations entirely meaningless….as your observations invariably are.
Dingbat.
I think you have a comprehension problem, I said Pelosi was NOT on the floor and in charge. Therefore, I agree with you Pelosi didn't wield the gavel throughout the entire process. Do you have any substantive comment on the Michelle Bachmann video?
The women who were given the floor were attempted to make unanimous consent requests. These requests are usually made in this fashion: "I request unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks." The Democrats were out of order in making the requests by inserting debate. Paraphrasing, the one female said 'Because this bill does more for women, I ask unanimous consent …' That is not a proper unanimous consent request.
Further, any representative has the right to object to a unanimous consent request. The Republicans were all in order to object. Further, the Republicans have every right to ask for a parliamentary inquiry, and Dingell should have honored that request.
If anything, the Democrats were in violation of the rules, not the Republicans.
Thank you for the great analysis. It's too bad that you need to explain this and that Rosenberg doesn't present all the details.