NEWLY POSTED BUSH ATROCITY ARTICLE 1A.1.2
BUSH'S ATTEMPT TO ELIMINATE FILIBUSTER
Date: Mon, 21 Mar 2005 16:31:50 -0500
The right-wing's attempt to eliminate the filibuster with the so-called "Nuclear Option" is likely forthcoming in the U.S. Senate and has received precious little press (of course). This maneuver would not only set a dangerous precedent, it would squelch the minority voices from debate and comment on judicial nominations, and render democrats virtually powerless to prevent the Bush Administration from pushing through many judicial nominees who have previously been blocked for being too radical. The filibuster allows the minority to demand that at least 60 Senators approve of voting on a particular nomination before debate is concluded.
Briefly, the "Nuclear Option" would be invoked by Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist. The Senate would then be called upon to vote, and a simple majority of only 51 Senators could eliminate filibuster on judicial nominee debate. If this occurs, then only the simple majority of 51 would be required to force a vote on a given nominee. Since there are currently 55 Republican Senators, even a united Democratic opposition could not block a radical nominee. The filibuster demands moderation and compromise between the parties, and has traditionally protected the minority from an overzealous majority.
With nominees like Pryor www.independentjudiciary.com/nominees/nominee.cfmNomineeID=87 , Myers www.independentjudiciary.com/nominees/nominee.cfm?NomineeID=76 and Boylewww.independentjudiciary.com/nominees/nominee.cfm?NomineeID=11up for lifetime appointments, the environment and workers', women's, and consumers' rights are at stake. We must be proactive and protect the filibuster now so that we have a chance to oppose these nominations on the Senate Floor. And with a Supreme Court vacancy approaching, it is critical that our Senators have the opportunity to block a radical nominee using any tool necessary.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
To maintain the filibuster, we need to reach out to republican senators.
The following telephone number gets you directly in contact with the switchboard for all Senators. Contact any Senator or Congressperson by calling 1-877-762-8762.
www.independentjudiciary.org/news/clip.cfm?NewsClipID=345 discussing the filibuster and which Senators claim to be undecided.
We Must Act Now.
Myers has had his Judiciary Committee hearing (3/1), and the Committee will soon forward his nomination to the full Senate. (The Senate returns from recess the first week in April.) If a filibuster occurs during debate on the Myers nomination, it's likely that Frist will call for the Nuclear Option.
It's absolutely critical that our voices are echoing in the ears of our Senators before they deal with this on the Senate Floor.
Learn more about judicial nominations at
www.independentjudiciary.org <http://www.independentjudiciary.org/> and
www.afj.org <http://www.afj.org/>
It's recommended that a citizen use at least 2 of the above options to contact an elected official.
Thanks for your time!!