Rand Paul, Ted Cruz, Mike Lee threaten filibuster on guns

[supermario21]

This could be fun.

http://www.politico.com/story/2013/03/rand-paul-and-ted-cruz-threaten-filibuster-on-guns-89299.html

Sens. Rand Paul, Ted Cruz and Mike Lee are threatening to filibuster gun-control legislation, according to a letter they plan to hand-deliver to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s office on Tuesday.
“We will oppose the motion to proceed to any legislation that will serve as a vehicle for any additional gun restrictions,” the three conservatives wrote in a copy of the signed letter obtained by POLITICO.
Reid plans to bring up a gun-control measure that focuses on broadening background checks and cracking down on interstate gun-trafficking after the current Senate recess.
Conservatives are concerned that once that bill reaches the floor, amendments could stiffen restrictions on gun control.
Moreover, they understand that Reid intends to allow liberal amendments that would limit clip capacity and ban certain assault weapons to be offered — even though they would be defeated — to give Democrats a chance to vote on them. For moderate Democrats in competitive states, that amounts to an opportunity to vote no and show allegiance to gun rights.
Though they don’t use the word “filibuster” in the letter, the conservatives are leaving no doubt that they would filibuster on an initial procedural question — the motion to proceed.
Lee staged a test vote on the issue during consideration of the Senate budget last week. He tried to amend a point of order against gun control legislation to the budget but fell short. It needed a three-fifths supermajority and failed 49-50. But the final tally emboldened Lee, Paul and Cruz because they were so close to a majority and a filibuster takes just 41 votes to sustain.

 

[TaftFan]

Please, Please, Please!

 

[kathy88]

Fuckin' A. Lets get it on!

 

[satchelmcqueen]

hell yes!! i dont kiss men, but i might drive my straight ass to kentucky and kiss rand right on the mouth!!! go rand paul, lee and cruz!!!!!

 

[BamaAla]

The Three Musketeers?

I love it!

 

[ScotTX]

Reid has to do this for the Dems since he didn't allow Feinstein a vote on it so, my guess is we will see another spectacular filibuster. I can't wait!

 

[economics102]

The Three Horsemen of Liberty!

Though I'm not sure it's wise to play the filibuster card again so soon, and on an issue that doesn't have the cross-partisan appeal that the drones issue did.

 

[kathy88]

How long before Rubio hops on?

 

[RonPaulFanInGA]

This time, plan ahead and do something about the bathroom issue that killed the last filibuster.

 

[Rudeman]

Does anyone know when this might happen?

 

[kathy88]

This time, plan ahead and do something about the bathroom issue that killed the last filibuster.

Catheters FTW!

 

[satchelmcqueen]

or mason jars labeled "what this government does to youre freedom"..

Catheters FTW!

 

[RonPaulFanInGA]

Catheters FTW!

 

[anaconda]

Can Reid "guard" the floor to prevent this?

This has got to be Ried's worst nightmare.

 

[phill4paul]

 

[anaconda]

How long before Rubio hops on?

Not only Rubio. How many other sycophant Republican chameleons Senators?

 

[itshappening]

I don't think they plan to do a talking filibuster, just force 60 votes if Reid wants to bring it to the floor.

 

[anaconda]

I want more Shakespeare this time. All three of them in character with politically relevant passages.

 

[itshappening]

The term filibuster is overused. As I understand it any senator can place a 'hold' on a bill or nomination and force 60 votes to proceed. Before the 1970's it used to be a two thirds majority and they dropped it to 60. Now some Democrat senators want to drop it to 51 and turn the Senate into the House which it has never been. If they did this Boehner could refuse to bring up any bills that dont pass the senate with 60 or more votes.

 

[FriedChicken]

I'm wondering if this might get them labeled attention whores through? The bill probably won't pass anyway and definitely won't get through the house. If their are bad amendments added to it it would only decrease the chances of it passing also.

I would love to see them embark on a joint town hall session/tour or something though.