Heather What about “priority recognition” by the VP bypassing McConnell? I am re-posting a comment made by Joan Friedman who said we could share this information. It would seem foolhardy not to use this opening out of nicey niceness when so much is at stake and vulnerable for beneficial legislation to be squelched let alone brought befor…
Heather What about “priority recognition” by the VP bypassing McConnell? I am re-posting a comment made by Joan Friedman who said we could share this information. It would seem foolhardy not to use this opening out of nicey niceness when so much is at stake and vulnerable for beneficial legislation to be squelched let alone brought before congress. No? Joan FriedmanNov 21
There will be a way to break McConnell's chokehold even if the Republicans maintain a Senate majority. To quote a post on FB by Linda Brown: "Even if the Democrats don’t win control of the Senate, there is a legal, Constitutional way to strip Mitch McConnell of his power for good: priority recognition.
According to Article I, Section 3, Clause 4 of the Constitution, the Vice President is also the President of the Senate. The Majority Leader is not a position that exists anywhere in the Constitution. The reason that the Majority Leader has near-dictatorial powers to control floor votes is because of a tradition that dates back to 1937. The tradition is that the Vice President gives the floor leaders priority recognition. Most notably, this is not a rule in the Senate.
As President of the Senate, Vice President Harris could give any senator priority recognition. That senator could then decide on all legislation that is brought before the entire Senate. Even with a minority in the Senate, Vice President Harris could simply give Chuck Schumer priority recognition. He could decide what is voted on and what isn’t.
This would change everything. Without Mitch McConnell to hide behind, the moderate Republican Senators would be forced to vote down every Cabinet member, bill, resolution, everything that Harris would want done. Without McConnell, anything even remotely popular with at least two senators would pass. Including getting a cabinet assembled.
I see some debate as to what the Senate rules do and due not permit. I encourage everyone to read this article on the actual written rules and why the Majority Leader is so powerful today. It should be noted, however, unlike the House of Representatives, a large part of the Senate rules is tradition. As Mitch McConnell will gladly tell you, tradition is not written rule.
Also, This wouldn’t be the first time Schumer has done something like this. And yes, while there’s the possibility of rule changes, they cannot change the Constitution. At the end of the day, Madame Vice President Harris is President of the Senate. Period. Not Mitch McConnell."
This is amazing! And worth a try. First, though, let's do everything we can to get Osfoff and Warnock elected. Isn't it amazing how much Trump's efforts are likely to help us?
I had JUST come here to see if anyone had brought this up! I'd love to hear Dr. HCR's take on this, too. Four years ago, it would have made me really anxious for when a R admin with a D-majority Senate comes along, but now I'm thinking the Republican party as it stands is toast, and am feeling all bets are off at this point in order to get something done in the Senate. (Thanks, Martha.)
On her 4 o’clock video chat this afternoon Heather addressed this head on. Worth a listen cuz she’s thorough and thoughtful. Initially she questioned the source’s reference so that was a cautionary flag. She did say that yes, it could happen were VP Harris to choose to follow that route. She said there were other ways possible but that this did remain an option. More a “let’s wait and see” response.
Heather What about “priority recognition” by the VP bypassing McConnell? I am re-posting a comment made by Joan Friedman who said we could share this information. It would seem foolhardy not to use this opening out of nicey niceness when so much is at stake and vulnerable for beneficial legislation to be squelched let alone brought before congress. No? Joan FriedmanNov 21
There will be a way to break McConnell's chokehold even if the Republicans maintain a Senate majority. To quote a post on FB by Linda Brown: "Even if the Democrats don’t win control of the Senate, there is a legal, Constitutional way to strip Mitch McConnell of his power for good: priority recognition.
According to Article I, Section 3, Clause 4 of the Constitution, the Vice President is also the President of the Senate. The Majority Leader is not a position that exists anywhere in the Constitution. The reason that the Majority Leader has near-dictatorial powers to control floor votes is because of a tradition that dates back to 1937. The tradition is that the Vice President gives the floor leaders priority recognition. Most notably, this is not a rule in the Senate.
As President of the Senate, Vice President Harris could give any senator priority recognition. That senator could then decide on all legislation that is brought before the entire Senate. Even with a minority in the Senate, Vice President Harris could simply give Chuck Schumer priority recognition. He could decide what is voted on and what isn’t.
This would change everything. Without Mitch McConnell to hide behind, the moderate Republican Senators would be forced to vote down every Cabinet member, bill, resolution, everything that Harris would want done. Without McConnell, anything even remotely popular with at least two senators would pass. Including getting a cabinet assembled.
I see some debate as to what the Senate rules do and due not permit. I encourage everyone to read this article on the actual written rules and why the Majority Leader is so powerful today. It should be noted, however, unlike the House of Representatives, a large part of the Senate rules is tradition. As Mitch McConnell will gladly tell you, tradition is not written rule.
Also, This wouldn’t be the first time Schumer has done something like this. And yes, while there’s the possibility of rule changes, they cannot change the Constitution. At the end of the day, Madame Vice President Harris is President of the Senate. Period. Not Mitch McConnell."
Ms.Brown is correct - this chokehold stands on a mere custom introduced in 1937. https://www.senate.gov/reference/Sessions/Traditions/Priority_recognition.htm
Given the past, present and clearly intended future abuse of this custom by McC, VP Harris would be wise to adopt a different custom.
This is amazing! And worth a try. First, though, let's do everything we can to get Osfoff and Warnock elected. Isn't it amazing how much Trump's efforts are likely to help us?
Heather addresses this issue head on on her 4 o’clock afternoon video politics chat this afternoon. Here’s the link: https://fb.watch/26Arkp0Eb9/
I had JUST come here to see if anyone had brought this up! I'd love to hear Dr. HCR's take on this, too. Four years ago, it would have made me really anxious for when a R admin with a D-majority Senate comes along, but now I'm thinking the Republican party as it stands is toast, and am feeling all bets are off at this point in order to get something done in the Senate. (Thanks, Martha.)
On her 4 o’clock video chat this afternoon Heather addressed this head on. Worth a listen cuz she’s thorough and thoughtful. Initially she questioned the source’s reference so that was a cautionary flag. She did say that yes, it could happen were VP Harris to choose to follow that route. She said there were other ways possible but that this did remain an option. More a “let’s wait and see” response.
https://fb.watch/26Arkp0Eb9/
Thanks for alerting me to Heather's talk this afternoon. I watched the whole thing.
Heather addresses priority recognition on her 4 o’clock video politics chat this afternoon. Here’s the link https://fb.watch/26Arkp0Eb9/
Martha, I too would like to hear Dr. R's take on this.
https://fb.watch/26Arkp0Eb9/
Thanks, Martha. I watched and heard her remarks!
Lynell, see above reply.
https://fb.watch/26Arkp0Eb9/