Senate Republicans' Warning to the Democratic Leaders
GOP fears being sidelined in the planning for economic rescue measures
At their first caucus of the new Congress, Senate Republicans focused on how to fix the economy for working families and issued a warning to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid not to shut them out of debates. Key to the daylong session held Wednesday, say aides, were the reviews on the economy provided by three former White House economic advisers: Larry Lindsey of the Bush administration and Martin Feldstein and Peter Wallison of the Reagan administrations.
However, the GOP leaders did not end the meeting with a plan to address the economy other than to help push through Congress items they like in the Obama plan.
Another major topic was the concern that Democrats in the Senate might try to muzzle Republicans as some feel House Democrats did to House GOP members. "We warned Reid that using the Senate procedure to stifle debate and prevent minority amendments would be an affront to the millions of Americans who want their senators' voices heard," said a key GOP leadership aide.
And many members said that despite a shrinking minority, they feel confident that this year won't have them on the sidelines, in part because they see cracks in the united Democratic front over issues like the stimulus plan and the handling of new Illinois Sen. Roland Burris. "We do not start with our heads hung," said the leadership aide. "There are lots of opportunities out there for us."
- Read more about economic stimulus plans.
Reader Comments
Democrat party
One cannot condone bipartisanship when the choices are limited to bales of pork that have little chance of stimulating our economy.
I keep hearing that FDR took us out of the impression by his makework programs when in truth it was the onset of World War.
The House Republicans are correct, God bless them!
Bring back the Nuclear Option
I agree with the sentiment that the Democrats use the nuclear option that the GOP trumpeted around so much when they ruled Congress. Now that the tide has reversed, I don't hear them decrying it anymore. Whatever it takes, Congress needs to get a LOT of work done this session. If they don't then we should give up and let a 3rd party move in. These 2 idiot parties have done nothing significant for the country that is resulting in a positive. Sadly, the only reason that Bush and his failed domestic and foreign policies are being reviewed and possibly reversed is that he can't run for president again.
Plan shmam!
There is no plan except the one that robs the poor and enriches the rich.
Friedman would be proud of his economic shock troops.
This is the biggest prize of all and they got it and they are going to keep it going going going until the nation of our fathers is owned by them lock stock and barrel.
Only a fool would buy the purported reasons for this shameful bailout scam.
Follow the money don't listen to moving politicians mouths!
Trillions to save our economy?
I don't buy any of it!
When I see the little guy helped and wall street shamed then i may change my mind.
Not on second before!
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