Reid: Republicans block bills they actually support
The Democratic Party used its radio address to help set the stage for the ultimate battle after the 4th of July recess. Understanding that a majority of the country is dissatisfied with the Congress, as they are dissatisfied with Bush's Iraq policy, Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi are going to push for a July vote to end the war.
This is the real deal. No non-binding resolutions. No wimpy efforts to bring it to a cloture vote. This is it. After the 4th of July, Democrats will force GOP senators such as Richard Lugar, John Warner, Chuck Hagel, Olympia Snowe, Susan Collins, Norma Coleman -- including other Republicans on the fence -- to take a stand.
Reid hinted at this plan in the radio address:
"Voting against a bill on a matter of principle is one thing," the Nevada senator said during the weekly Democratic radio address. "To go forward, we will need far more Republicans to put partisan politics aside and work with us for the American people."
While seeking their votes on defense legislation next week, Reid accused GOP lawmakers of blocking ethics reform and enactment of the 9/11 Commission recommendations.
"Republican obstruction has gotten so bad that now they're blocking bills that they actually support," Reid said.
Will Reid really put his foot down, or is this another effort to excite people for nothing? One thing is for sure: the Democrats have not pressed hard enough to end the war in Iraq. Yes, the need 67 votes. But you won't be able to pressure Republicans to change their mind if it is debated only once each month. Multiple bills to end the war should be submitted each week. If the Democrats tried that strategy, Senate Republicans would buckle. Imagine being a Republican and running for reelection with the following line appearing in your opponent's campaign ad: "This Repoublican Senator voted against troop redeployment 15 times."
So keep bringing the Iraq bills to the floor. Dare them to vote against it. Once each month is not going to cut it.
