By Sofia Sanchez - University of New Mexico/Talk Radio News Service
Congressional Democrats expressed rage Monday over an attempt by Sen. Jim Bunning (R-Ky.) late last week to filibuster a vote to extend by 30 days a benefits program for the unemployed. As a result of Bunning's actions, many of those benefits expired yesterday.
“What really bothers me about this...is to see that one Senator, in this case Senator Bunning, could hold up something that everyone knows would go forward, would go through [and] makes common sense for the workers of this country,” said Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) in remarks given to reporters on Monday. “To me, this makes no sense at all.”
Klobuchar also suggested doing away with the “old rule” of senate filibustering because of the way she said Republicans have abused the system. Instead, said Klobuchar, legislative items should all be subject to straight up or down votes, which was actually an option afforded to Bunning last week.
“What I believe we need to do here, and what the American people want us to do, is move forward, get these jobs bills, and get the economy going, and get it done,” said Klobuchar.
House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) said he believes Bunning's objection may allow Democrats to capitalize politically.
“I am very hopeful that this little experience that we are having with Senator Bunning will be constructive and enlightening to the American people,” said Clyburn.
For effect, Clyburn recanted a series of bills that Bunning had voted for despite the fact that they were not paid for, including a $1.3 trillion tax cut and the $395 billion Medicare Part D program.
“To deny a one month extension to families that need assistance, in the short term, is beyond me,” said Clyburn.
Top Democrats Rail Against Republican Who Voted Against Extending Unemployment Benefits
Congressional Democrats expressed rage Monday over an attempt by Sen. Jim Bunning (R-Ky.) late last week to filibuster a vote to extend by 30 days a benefits program for the unemployed. As a result of Bunning's actions, many of those benefits expired yesterday.
“What really bothers me about this...is to see that one Senator, in this case Senator Bunning, could hold up something that everyone knows would go forward, would go through [and] makes common sense for the workers of this country,” said Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) in remarks given to reporters on Monday. “To me, this makes no sense at all.”
Klobuchar also suggested doing away with the “old rule” of senate filibustering because of the way she said Republicans have abused the system. Instead, said Klobuchar, legislative items should all be subject to straight up or down votes, which was actually an option afforded to Bunning last week.
“What I believe we need to do here, and what the American people want us to do, is move forward, get these jobs bills, and get the economy going, and get it done,” said Klobuchar.
House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) said he believes Bunning's objection may allow Democrats to capitalize politically.
“I am very hopeful that this little experience that we are having with Senator Bunning will be constructive and enlightening to the American people,” said Clyburn.
For effect, Clyburn recanted a series of bills that Bunning had voted for despite the fact that they were not paid for, including a $1.3 trillion tax cut and the $395 billion Medicare Part D program.
“To deny a one month extension to families that need assistance, in the short term, is beyond me,” said Clyburn.