- Oct 7, 2011
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Recent votes in the United States Senate demonstrate that bipartisanship is not dead. Given the votes in question, we might well wish that it were. And who would have guessed that the Senates filibuster rule, which now allows 41 senators to block almost any piece of legislation, would save us from bipartisan action?
On Tuesday, the Senate failed to pass a bill sponsored by Democrat Robert Menendez of New Jersey and Republican Richard Burr of North Carolina that would have provided subsidies for natural gas transportation and distribution, but five Republicans joined most Democrats to form a majority in support of the proposed government handout.
This was followed by the Senates failure to pass an amendment introduced by Republican Senator Jim DeMint of South Carolina to eliminate all subsidies and tax credits to all forms of energy. The vote was 26-72, with 19 Republicans joining every Democrat in opposition.
The message is clear and simple. Bipartisanship comes easily when legislators anticipate electoral gains from greasing the palms of past and prospective supporters. This is true whether a yes vote will afford new subsidies or a no vote is required to prevent the loss of existing subsidies. It is why many voters see very little hope of serious tax or spending reform from Congress.
Of course when members of Congress vote for a subsidy or tax credit, and most do, they never admit to buying political support...
Read more: Corporate Welfare | Senators put aside differences to support corporate welfare | The Daily Caller
On Tuesday, the Senate failed to pass a bill sponsored by Democrat Robert Menendez of New Jersey and Republican Richard Burr of North Carolina that would have provided subsidies for natural gas transportation and distribution, but five Republicans joined most Democrats to form a majority in support of the proposed government handout.
This was followed by the Senates failure to pass an amendment introduced by Republican Senator Jim DeMint of South Carolina to eliminate all subsidies and tax credits to all forms of energy. The vote was 26-72, with 19 Republicans joining every Democrat in opposition.
The message is clear and simple. Bipartisanship comes easily when legislators anticipate electoral gains from greasing the palms of past and prospective supporters. This is true whether a yes vote will afford new subsidies or a no vote is required to prevent the loss of existing subsidies. It is why many voters see very little hope of serious tax or spending reform from Congress.
Of course when members of Congress vote for a subsidy or tax credit, and most do, they never admit to buying political support...
Read more: Corporate Welfare | Senators put aside differences to support corporate welfare | The Daily Caller
