Republicans Delay Tactics Force Christmas Eve Vote on Health Reform

Republican Senator David Vitter (Louisiana) objects to taking a vote on health reform at 6pm on December 23, forcing Senators to remain in session on Christmas Eve.

SEN. HARKIN (D-Iowa): So Mr. President, I know one senator whose family is with their in-laws - their husband's from England and their kids are over there - can't make it for Christmas dinner tomorrow night. I know other person who has to get out to the west because - and there's a lot of storms out there - if they can get that early flight, they can make two legs and get home. If they have to go later in the day, they have to do three legs and they may not make it. There's a lot of people around here that are having a lot of problems with that. We're all here. There's no -- really no reason to hold over the vote. So I'm going to ask unanimous consent that the vote on the passage of the bill and the -- and the vote on the debt limit bill -- occur at 6pm this evening.

PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: Is there objection?

SEN. VITTER (R-Louisiana): Mr. President?

PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: Senator Vitter.

SEN. VITTER (R-Louisiana): That request has not been cleared on this side, so on behalf of my colleagues, I will object. And if the senator would like to talk to all of his colleagues about it, that would be fine. But in the meantime, I would object.

PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: Objection is heard.

SEN. HARKIN (D-Iowa): Mr. President, then I would further ask unanimous consent that the votes that are going to occur at 7am tomorrow occur at 12:15am in the morning.

SEN. VITTER (R-Louisiana): Mr. President?

PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: Is there objection?

SEN. VITTER (R-Louisiana): Mr. President, my response would be the same and I would object in the same vain.

PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: Objection is heard.

SEN. HARKIN (D-Iowa): Well I just want people to know who's keeping us here.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• republicans
• senate
• vote

[cagedtigersteve]

Oh will somebody get Vitter a prostitute to shut him up.

[nuage7777]

Fucking republicans! All they touch turns to shit!

[AceTracer]

Sadder still is that wingnuts now say that Democrats purposely passed the bill in the dead of night on Christmas Eve.

[RonPaulGeorgeRingo]

The tragic (TOXIC) dumbing down of the conservative movement: Buckley Goldwater (rolling over in their graves) Nixon's Southern Strategy Reagan (talk & massive DEBT) Religious right hijacks Jesus. GOP hijacks the flag. Limbaugh & Hate Radio Fox "News" Bush/Cheney Palin Birthers Beck *The ABYSS? *Mainstream conservatives, you are HERE.

[Landrew120880]

Can you believe this guy? We have to, somehow, get these "people" out of office. There are many Iraq War vets who are running for office soon. These are quite likely the people who know about suffering and the needs of others. Unlike these millionaires who claim to represent the people.

[Landrew120880]

Senator Harkin? Here in Philly, there are plenty of people who are not even having Christmas dinner. Like the Nam Vet who was on the corner of Roosevelt Blvd asking for change so he can eat. There's also the matter of our brave men and women of the Military who wont be home for dinner either. I say, get your head outa your ass and think before you speak, you smug cunt millionaire.

[nuage7777]

Assholes and douche bags! Excuse my french!

[CollateralSandwich]

Health reform?!

I thought this was an Insurance bailout.

[classc63]

Just when you think Republicans can't be ANY BIGGER ASSHOLES!!!!!!!!

[dizzymasekela]

Tom Harkin's cool.