Practically everyone agrees that the Iraq War is the top issue on America’sagenda. So, it’s unfortunate that Democrats running the House have decided
to block full, robust debates on the conflict.
Although much of the media blamed the Republican minority for blocking a
Senate debate last week, the Democratic leadership that refused to allow GOP
Senators a vote on their preferred war resolution holds a major share of the
responsibility for inaction.
The move caused Republicans to make use of long-established Senate rules to
filibuster and end debate — for now, but Democrats clearly acted out of concern
that the GOP measure would pass and muddy the waters for their preferred
resolution disapproving of President Bush’s troop escalation.
In the House, Democratic leaders have violated their oft-stated promise
— made when they were in the minority — to allow open rules and full debate on
legislation if they took control of the chamber. After first indicating last
week that Republicans could offer an alternative war resolution, Democrats
changed their minds and pushed through a closed rule allowing Republicans only
to offer a motion to recommit the Democratic measure to the International
Relations Committee.
House Democrats contend that closed rules were the norm when
Republicans held sway over the chamber, and that’s certainly true. But Democrats
loudly protested the custom and swore it would go away when they took power. But
no sooner was Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) sworn in as Speaker than the
Democrats commenced their “100 hour” opening legislative blitz under closed
rules. They’re doing it again on the Iraq issue.
The Dragon Lady always smiles when she is screwing the voters.
