House GOP changes rules to thwart Dems
Source: The Hill
Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) is changing the way the House considers spending measures to try to prevent Democrats from offering surprise amendments that have recently put the GOP on defense.
House Republican leaders have been blindsided multiple times by Democrats offering politically volatile amendments to appropriations bills. Starting as soon as next month, Ryan is expected to make it harder for the minority party to attempt to embarrass the majority.
* * *
Upon winning majority control five years ago, House Republicans, led by then-Speaker John Boehner (Ohio), brought back the use of a freewheeling process known as an open rule to consider annual appropriations bills. Under that procedure, members of either party can offer unlimited amendments without having to give advance notice to their colleagues or the public. On most other bills, the majority partys leaders control which amendments get floor time.
Top Republicans have touted the use of open rules as a return to regular order and a way to empower individual members. But it has backfired spectacularly on House Republicans twice in the last year.
Read more: http://www.thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/281077-house-gop-seeks-to-avoid-more-unexpected-floor-fights
I love the smell of hypocrisy early in the morning.
elleng
(131,458 posts)I thought that's only done at beginning of sessions. Guess I was wrong.
herding cats
(19,569 posts)Now, things are different.
It's as if it's a war between the parties.
elleng
(131,458 posts)trudyco
(1,258 posts)I think every amendment should be publicly discussed at least 30 minutes. No surprises from either side. The public has a better chance of knowing what's going on before bills go for a vote. More transparency is better in the long run.
keithbvadu2
(37,066 posts)They would have to actually do some work.
bucolic_frolic
(43,570 posts)He sounded a new tone, and it sounded like all would be heard at all times
But he's just like Boehner
and I think Ryan lies more often if that's possible