TPM:
In an example of Republican obstructionism rendered beautiful by its simplicity, the GOP yesterday killed a House bill that would increase funding for scientific research and math and science education by forcing Democrats to vote in favor of federal employees viewing pornography.
Rep. Ralph Hall (R-TX), the ranking member of the House science committee, introduced a motion to recommit, a last-ditch effort to change a bill by sending it back to the committee with mandatory instructions.
In this case, Republicans included a provision that would bar the federal government from paying the salaries of employees who've been disciplined for viewing pornography at work.
To proceed with the bill and bring it to a final vote, Democrats would have had to vote against the motion to recommit, and against the porn ban.
But they didn't have the stomach for it, and 121 Democrats jumped ship and voted with Republicans to kill the bill.
"For anyone that is concerned about federal employees watching pornography, they just saw a pornographic movie. It's called; 'Motion to Recommit,'" Rep. Bart Gordon (D-TN) said. "It was a cynical effort to undermine an important bill for my 9-year-old daughter, for your kids and your grandkids."
Pressing issues. Unserious people. This is a mockery of our legislature and it is a wonderment that this kind of bullshit isn't pasted all over the headlines on every media outlet. Want to know why we have such high unemployment? Want to know why we have unprecedented foreclosures in this country? Want to know why schools across states are failing? Here is your answer. In broad fucking daylight and with a snickering from spoiled old men.
And here is what really sets me off...this bill is about science and research. It could lead to possible breakthroughs in dealing with catastrophes like the BP Oil Spill. Of course we know how hardcore presidential candidate Republicans feel about that.
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Update: Greg Sargent of the Plum Line points out voters don't care about GOP obstructionism. Well Greg this voter does, but yes the Dems aren't playing this part of the game too well. The policy should be highlighted as a benefit to the people and the GOP is obstructing the policy. It also doesn't help when papers and media outlets, such as Sargent's employer the WaPo among others, report the "political football" and not the substantive matter. I am sure the editorial staff like Climate Science Denier George Will will have plenty to say....plenty.
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