The 50-50 split in the Senate will be the place to watch. The Democrats have the Republicans in a pretty awkward situation and are pressing the case very effectively IMO. News today shows some progress on this front. These early maneuvers are critical so as to protect existing programs, laws, and regulations from attack from the Right until we can get to the next election (when we can run the rascals out<g>).
Parties Make Deal on Running Senate
By ALAN FRAM, Associated Press Writer
dailynews.yahoo.com
" WASHINGTON (AP) - Cementing their gains from the November elections, Democrats won major procedural concessions from Republicans on Friday as the two parties agreed on how to run a Senate divided 50-50 between them for the first time.
Party leaders planned to push the package through the Senate late Friday, laying down procedures that will affect the ease with which President-elect Bush's agenda can move through the 107th Congress. Among the new rules, every committee will have equal numbers of members from both parties.
Announcing the agreement on the Senate floor, Democratic leader Tom Daschle of South Dakota said if the pact ``is not miraculous, it is at the very least historic. It is also fair and reasonable.' "
"The agreement was resisted for days by many conservative members, who were reluctant to cede power to Democrats at a time when the GOP will control the White House and both chambers of Congress. Reflecting their dissatisfaction, the Senate planned to approve the plan by voice vote, avoiding a public show of dissension by lawmakers that could embarrass the leaders, particularly Lott.
Sen. Phil Gramm, R-Texas, said on the Senate floor that he had ``deep concerns about this agreement and its workability,'' but he said he would support it." |
