Budget bill clears key test vote in Senate

[WestVirginiaRebel]

Fox News:

A two-year budget deal cleared a key Senate test vote on Tuesday, despite last-ditch efforts by Republicans to strip a provision that cuts into military retiree benefits -- setting up a final vote in the Senate no later than Wednesday.

 

The bill moved forward on a 67-33 vote. If the package, which passed the House last week, wins final approval, it will go to President Obama's desk -- likely taking off the table the threat of a partial government shutdown next month.

 

Most Republican senators, including GOP Leader Mitch McConnell, opposed the bill, objecting to increased spending levels as well as a provision that reduces future military retiree benefits.

 

Alabama GOP Sen. Jeff Sessions, who on Tuesday called the provision "unthinkable," had tried to undo those cuts with an amendment filed late Monday to restore the money. Several other senators also objected.

 

"It's unacceptable to single out our men and women in uniform in this way," said Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H.

 

"Nobody wants to shut down the government, but here's the question: Is the choice between keeping the government open and screwing all the military retirees, is that the right choice?" Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said.

 

The provision would cut retirement benefits for military retirees by $6 billion over 10 years.

 

However, late-breaking endorsements from several GOP senators helped lift the budget bill over the 60-vote hurdle on Tuesday. Three GOP senators -- Orrin Hatch of Utah, and Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss of Georgia -- announced that they would vote yes. A fourth, Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, expressed his support on Sunday. Sens. John McCain and Jeff Flake of Arizona also said they would vote in favor of cloture last week.

 

In the end, a dozen GOP senators voted to advance the bill on Tuesday. The Democratic caucus held together in support of the package.

 

The Senate still has to vote for final passage, which requires just 51 votes.

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Moving forward?

[Draggingtree]

17Dec

Senate [R]‘s Stage the Vote So That At-Risk Senators Can Vote “No” Against Budget Deal, But Still Guarantee Its Passage

 

Ace:

How stupid do they think you are? This stupid: John Cornyn, infamously firebreathing First Principles Tea Partier, voted “no” on the budget deal. Because he’s super-against it and stuff. He’s totes afighter.

 

McConnell and Rand Paul both voted against it, as did most Republicans who might face primary challenges next year — including John Cornyn. John McCain was among the Republicans voting for cloture, though, and he was joined by several others (including the recently-elected Orrin Hatch) to push the vote well past the 60-vote mark to 67-33. We’ll post the link to the final roll-call vote report when it becomes available.

 

During the podcast, I meant to say something to Gabe but never got the chance.

 

Gabe argues that we need to fold, or at least give, on these contentious issues because otherwise we won’t win elections and will never be in a position to vote the way we (allegedly) prefer.

http://floppingaces.net/most_wanted/senate-rs-stage-the-vote-so-that-at-risk-senators-can-vote-no-against-budget-deal-but-still-guarantee-its-passage/

Did anyone notice Sen. Cornyn voted after the count had passed 65 yeas. Just a point

[Draggingtree]

December 17, 2013

 

“12 Republicans Vote to Advance Budget Deal That Boosts Spending” -

 

So it’s a one-party country, with certain players using show votes to keep the rabble confused. That way they can run for reelection as something other than what they actually are, and nobody’s the wiser. What of it? That’s just political reality. The ways of DC. And you can’t fight reality. Better to submit to it for your own benefit than to stand there stupidly fighting its inevitability with nothing but your pointy little principles in hand.

 

Pragmatism! Now. Get your asses in line, Hobbits! And prepare to be governed. Good and hard. - http://proteinwisdom.com/#sthash.8pDN4rzE.dpuf