Obstructionism in the Senate

Brian Darling / September 21, 2010

There has been quite a bit of talk these days about obstructionism, the filibuster, and one party obstructing the work of another party. The fact of the matter is that both sides in the United States Senate have engaged in a game of procedural chicken, with the American people on the losing end of this inside-the-beltway game.

Today the Senate will have yet another vote on cloture on a motion to proceed to the Defense Authorization Bill. Although this will be spun by the left as Republicans obstructing the will of the Senate, the facts of the situation show that this is a complex situation where both sides are using the Senate rules to impose their will.

Republicans and possibly a few Democrats are filibustering the defense authorization bill. This means that 60 members have to vote in favor of shutting down debate for the Senate to proceed on the legislation. Some Senators are concerned that the controversial issues of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, abortions in military hospitals, and the DREAM Act (an immigration proposal) will be debated on this measure to the exclusion of an open and free amendment process. (more…)