Stop stalling and get STARTed, Republicans.
Aftermath of the 2010 election: lame-duck Congress.
The office of John Boehner (R-OH) recently announced that the House Speaker-to-be plans to install the first-ever ladies' room next to the floor of the House of Representatives. But while Boehner has an agenda for remodeling Capitol Hill next year, he and his party members have been slow to act on more imminent issues that are currently on the floor. The new START treaty (for Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty), for example, has come to a screeching halt in the Senate as Republicans refuse to ratify the treaty. New START is a continuation of the 1991 START agreement that expired at the end of 2009. The treaty aims to ensure that the U.S. and Russia have a stable and transparent strategic nuclear arsenal.
Excuses, excuses.
Signed between President Obama and Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, the new START treaty is an important step in shaping U.S. foreign policy as well as in protecting national security. Yet, Republican senators such as Jon Kyl (R-AZ) have claimed that Senate does not have time to discuss the new START treaty amidst other legislation on the floor. With so much on his plate, Sen. Kyl is unable to prioritize. Or so it seems. He just might be waiting for the strong Republican minority to flow in next session before making any moves.
There’s no escaping party loyalty.
Although Senate is the only house that may ratify a treaty, a similar “stall” attitude is also rooted in House Republicans. Just take a look at the newly passed bill that will extend Bush tax-cuts to middle-income taxpayers. Rep. Boehner is enraged, but his buddy Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky) says rest assured -- “It’s not going anywhere”.
This phenomenon is a reflection of fundamental Republican Party ideology. According to the Gallup Poll, conservatives dominate the GOP. While the poll shows religion and age as key factors, it nonetheless demonstrates that Republicans are closely connected through over-lapping beliefs. Liberal Democrats are accustomed to compromise – such was Obama’s rhetoric when he introduced healthcare. Conservative Republicans, on the other hand, tend to come to a standstill when a progressive agenda is on the table. Secondly, the tax-cut bill simply brings us back to the Madisonian system of government. How difficult is it for bills to pass in Congress? Much harder than expected when it come down to two houses.
Back to the START: there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Among a mass of ideological-driven and uncompromising representatives is a knight (or politician) in shining armor. With the nation’s national security foremost in his mind, Richard Lugar (R-IN) has stood out against his own party, urging them to vote on this time-sensitive issue. Lugar has gone so far off the party line as to support a Democratic force vote in the Senate.
For the meantime…
One thing’s for sure, at least future Wellesley women in Washington will have a place to powder their noses. Thank you, Rep. Boehner, for that very thoughtful gesture.
The office of John Boehner (R-OH) recently announced that the House Speaker-to-be plans to install the first-ever ladies' room next to the floor of the House of Representatives. But while Boehner has an agenda for remodeling Capitol Hill next year, he and his party members have been slow to act on more imminent issues that are currently on the floor. The new START treaty (for Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty), for example, has come to a screeching halt in the Senate as Republicans refuse to ratify the treaty. New START is a continuation of the 1991 START agreement that expired at the end of 2009. The treaty aims to ensure that the U.S. and Russia have a stable and transparent strategic nuclear arsenal.
Excuses, excuses.
Signed between President Obama and Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, the new START treaty is an important step in shaping U.S. foreign policy as well as in protecting national security. Yet, Republican senators such as Jon Kyl (R-AZ) have claimed that Senate does not have time to discuss the new START treaty amidst other legislation on the floor. With so much on his plate, Sen. Kyl is unable to prioritize. Or so it seems. He just might be waiting for the strong Republican minority to flow in next session before making any moves.
There’s no escaping party loyalty.
Although Senate is the only house that may ratify a treaty, a similar “stall” attitude is also rooted in House Republicans. Just take a look at the newly passed bill that will extend Bush tax-cuts to middle-income taxpayers. Rep. Boehner is enraged, but his buddy Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky) says rest assured -- “It’s not going anywhere”.
This phenomenon is a reflection of fundamental Republican Party ideology. According to the Gallup Poll, conservatives dominate the GOP. While the poll shows religion and age as key factors, it nonetheless demonstrates that Republicans are closely connected through over-lapping beliefs. Liberal Democrats are accustomed to compromise – such was Obama’s rhetoric when he introduced healthcare. Conservative Republicans, on the other hand, tend to come to a standstill when a progressive agenda is on the table. Secondly, the tax-cut bill simply brings us back to the Madisonian system of government. How difficult is it for bills to pass in Congress? Much harder than expected when it come down to two houses.
Back to the START: there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Among a mass of ideological-driven and uncompromising representatives is a knight (or politician) in shining armor. With the nation’s national security foremost in his mind, Richard Lugar (R-IN) has stood out against his own party, urging them to vote on this time-sensitive issue. Lugar has gone so far off the party line as to support a Democratic force vote in the Senate.
For the meantime…
One thing’s for sure, at least future Wellesley women in Washington will have a place to powder their noses. Thank you, Rep. Boehner, for that very thoughtful gesture.
posted by cheriecherries @ 8:25 PM
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