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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsRep. Bush explains vote against Russian oil ban
People are curious as to why two progressives voted against the Russian oil ban. It has nothing to do with web sites or Russian news sites. They both knew it would pass.
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/597770-rep-bush-explains-vote-against-russian-oil-ban/
Bush, one of 17 lawmakers who voted against the bill to ban Russian oil, said in a statement that she opposed the House bill because it fails to address the underlying problem of imposing sanctions that are not accompanied with a clear diplomatic process for de-escalation, incentives for a ceasefire, and a condition of withdrawal of Russian military forces in Ukraine.
The first-term Democrat from Missouri added that the push for a statutory ban is being used to justify even more dangerous drilling at home and increased imports from other authoritarian governments like Saudi Arabia.
She added that the approach to banning Russian oil categorically makes our communities less safe and does nothing to jumpstart our transition to renewable energy.
Rep Omars reason for her vote makes sense to me too. I have no problem with either of their votes.
Sherman A1
(38,958 posts)she seems to me to spend more time grandstanding than doing her job. She is my rep and I am woefully unimpressed with her.
Autumn
(45,056 posts)IMO a Rep should grandstand, it get attention to their stands. Republicans do it all the time but Democrats do it with class. .
Ocelot II
(115,674 posts)This was a bullshit vote that just made them look irrelevant and stupid.
WA-03 Democrat
(3,046 posts)betsuni
(25,463 posts)more dangerous drilling at home and increased imports from other authoritarian governments like Saudi Arabia."
Who is she talking about, I wonder. Conspiracy!
PatSeg
(47,399 posts)Ocelot II
(115,674 posts)I get tired of these so-called "progressives" showing off their alleged progressiveness to no useful purpose, and I will be glad to support and vote for Omar's primary challenger in a few months. We're getting tired of her grandstanding in these parts and she might very well lose that primary, but no worries; the seat is safely Dem.
Demsrule86
(68,552 posts)PatSeg
(47,399 posts)I would like to see our representatives doing their jobs instead of putting on a performance for the MSM and social media. The old "It was going to pass anyway, so I voted against it to make a statement" is really getting tedious.
Demsrule86
(68,552 posts)Democratic bills. One Caveat is if they are in a red or purple district...which Cori Bush is not.
PatSeg
(47,399 posts)Missouri Democratic state Senator Steve Roberts.
Roberts said he didnt intend to run for Congress when he was initially elected to serve in the Missouri Senate, but Bushs actions changed that.
It's become pretty apparent to me that Congresswoman Cori Bush is not interested in serving as a U.S. Representative, Roberts said.
He added: She made a comment that she wanted to defund the Pentagon. The NGA (National Geospatial Intelligence Agency) is a multimillion-dollar project that's in my Senate seat, in the 1st Congressional [District], those folks don't have a voice.
snip
Voting NO on so many issues that affect families in the 1st district like fixing our roads and bridges, clean air, clean water, support for Ukraine during a time of war, and Capitol security after January 6, for nothing more than political theater, clearly shows the Congresswoman is only concerned about Twitter likes and seeking the celebrity status, (Ryan) Hawkins said in a written statement.
https://news.stlpublicradio.org/government-politics-issues/2022-03-28/missouri-sen-steve-roberts-is-running-for-cori-bushs-u-s-congressional-seat
So we'll see.
Demsrule86
(68,552 posts)This is a safe Democratic seat. If a House Member continually votes in what could be considered an anti-Biden or an anti-Democratic Party way...a primary is the only remedy.
PatSeg
(47,399 posts)I am sure she is a good person with admirable goals, but there is more to being a congressional representative than lofty ideals. Without patience, focus and pragmatism, a lot of good intentions wither and die.
Autumn
(45,056 posts)and have stopped some important legislation that helps people and harmed President Biden's agenda
Ocelot II
(115,674 posts)in this case.
WA-03 Democrat
(3,046 posts)Populist love using it
bigtree
(85,986 posts)...where would we be without those moderate dissenters whose obstruction actually holds up bills, not just protests them?
Autumn
(45,056 posts)There certainty is a double standard when it comes to the votes of so called moderates and the votes of progressives.
you'd rather McConnell get the gavel? Then these bills would not even come up for a vote.
The progressives just aren't numerous enough to have a real effect. You need to elect more of them and work towards that instead. At least that would be doing something to bring about a result.
PatSeg
(47,399 posts)is tired of the "moderate Dems" and their obstruction. That doesn't mean more progressive Dems get a pass.
bigtree
(85,986 posts)...instead of this newly discovered standard of attacking protest votes which don't intend to block passage of legislation.
What moderates are under fire for is stripping bills of social spending and energy conservation and climate change provisions in committee, and actually refusing to provide their votes, actually killing legislation or preventing it from advancing, like on Voting Rights legislation.
I've seen our majority leaders make protest votes on popular legislation before. I've never seen the attempt, as against these progressive women who do the same, to suggest there's something anti-party, or damaging to Democrats when they exercise this longstanding practice where bills are not actually threatened and votes worked out beforehand in many cases.
It's just not the same as actually causing a bill to fail, like Manchin and BBB.
PatSeg
(47,399 posts)but it is still a performance vote at a time when the issues at hand are serious and urgent. It does not make the Democratic party look very good so soon before the midterms and it will absolutely do nothing to accelerate renewable energy initiatives. More Democrats in the House and the Senate would do that.
treestar
(82,383 posts)exactly. The only way is to have fewer Republicans in the Senate. Progressives don't know how to do anything about that, apparently. Never any suggestions or help for how to deal with that. How to get West VA to send a different senator who would actually help. So they end up helping the seat to go to a Republican and for McConnell to be in charge again, making it even less likely anything will be done about renewable energy.
PatSeg
(47,399 posts)understand that better than some new members who come to DC with lots of enthusiasm and idealistic objectives. I'm sure people like Nancy Pelosi look at some of them and think, "I once was as you are now". Over time they learned that positive change takes patience, skill, and compromise, and you don't always get what you want. Rejoice in your victories and live to fight another day.
H2O Man
(73,536 posts)Demsrule86
(68,552 posts)I believe Manchin is the best we can do in WVa and runs in a red district, but I believe Sinema needs to face a primary in 24...no excuse for her behavior. We need her now but moving forward, we can do better. We need to elect more Democratic senators going forward. Hopefully, this will happen in 22 and we can end the filibuster and get some things done.
Celerity
(43,314 posts)whether via votes or via refusals to support (thus no vote taken). Massive things like the BBB Act and all the voter protection/rights bills.
Autumn
(45,056 posts)lagomorph777
(30,613 posts)YorkRd
(326 posts)Ocelot II
(115,674 posts)doesn't excuse those votes. Yes, renewable energy is important, and yes, the bill doesn't address the issue, but it wasn't intended to. If they're concerned about renewable energy they can work on legislation to promote it, but they can get off their fucking soapboxes and stop voting with the GOP.
PatSeg
(47,399 posts)can be used against Democrats in upcoming elections. Obviously, this bill was not about renewable energy and there will be time to address that later. Meanwhile, Russia's invasion of Ukraine is timely and urgent. Is there some kind of orientation course that congressional representatives can take to learn how actual legislation works?
SmallFry
(349 posts)Her explanation here is sad and pathetic.
JohnSJ
(92,136 posts)perfect, and to assume nothing is being done on the diplomatic side is simply wrong
Milley and others have been trying to engage with the Russian military leaders, and the last I heard they wouldnt even take his calls
Regardless, every indication is that Putin has no intention of serious talks
His actions speak louder than words, and Putin has lied since this whole catastrophe started
SmallFry
(349 posts)Get in the way of progress.
Seems in this instance she has gone so far that she cant make a sensible explanation for her actions.
What she has done is given her reason for wanting to continue to fund Putin.
PatSeg
(47,399 posts)"Lets her passion for purity get in the way of progress" - that sums it up perfectly!
Ray Bruns
(4,093 posts)"a clear diplomatic process for de-escalation"
The Russians and Ukrainians have been talking for weeks, and they are no further along to de-escalation than they were when they started.
"incentives for a ceasefire"
It is pretty clear Putin has no interest in a cease fire. The RA just killed 50 people outside a train station who were waiting to be evacuated.
"and a condition of withdrawal of Russian military forces in Ukraine.
The only conditions for withdrawal of Russian military forces from Ukraine that are acceptable to Putin is the occupation of the country, disarm the UA, and Zelensky's head on a Pike. None of which the Ukrainians are going to give him.
It's sad to say, but this is going to have to be decided on the battlefield.
Sherman A1
(38,958 posts)We had a bunch that just had to push out what they called the good old boys and eventually they did only to find that actually doing the job is a whole lot tougher than standing outside complaining about how others were doing it. She saved us from Lacy Clay who was vey progressive and had years of experience. Now like in the trade group, they new kids cant find the light switch.
Novara
(5,840 posts)The first-term Democrat from Missouri added that the push for a statutory ban is being used to justify even more dangerous drilling at home and increased imports from other authoritarian governments like Saudi Arabia.
Sure sounds a lot like "We can't prosecute Trump because they might prosecute us some day," and "
We can't get rid of the filibuster because maybe some day the republicans will use it against us."
WE'RE IN AN EMERGENCY! People are being slaughtered in Ukraine! Elections are being corrupted in plain sight in America! We've been in a constitutional crisis since that orange motherfucker took office and no one is acting with any sense or urgency at all.
nycbos
(6,034 posts)As long as Russians are deliberately targeting hospitals and massacring civlians in Bucha there is no room for a process for de-escalation.
Buckeyeblue
(5,499 posts)It's as if she doesn't understand the point of using economic sanctions to impact Russia's ability to be able to afford this war. And to be able to afford future military efforts against others.
We are really trying to make it so bad that the Russians will remove Putin.
Autumn
(45,056 posts)That's not going to happen.
Ocelot II
(115,674 posts)and that's not going to happen either.
Demsrule86
(68,552 posts)primary over this... not only did she vote against a Democratic bill, but she also undermined Biden's Russia policy. We can do better.
Autumn
(45,056 posts)people was voted down because two dems decided to side with the Pukes to torpedo his agenda. Yeah, we can do better.
Demsrule86
(68,552 posts)progressive everywhere I believe they can win. for example, I support Fetterman in the PA primary. I expect all Democrats to support Biden's agenda. I am aware that two Senators have caused all sorts of problems via their lack of support. But the Senate is ours by only two votes and we have to keep them for now...Manchin is the best we will ever do in WVA. As for Sinema, I support a primary in 2024. We also, need to elect more Democrats so a couple can't control our entire agenda. I don't really see a good reason for Cori Bush's vote and given the massacres in Ukraine, I can't excuse this vote. She is Facing a primary and since this is a safe Democratic seat, I have no problem with it.
Buckeyeblue
(5,499 posts)At some point those, or someone, who has access to him will decide to act. Or there could be a public uprising. Or both.
This isn't about democracy in action. It's about someone, or a group, saying they've had enough.
bigtree
(85,986 posts)...but pols are all about putting something up for a vote so constituents can see their concern.
It's not a great bill, but I'd do the solidarity thing and vote for it, no matter what I tried to get included.
That this Democrat didn't see it the same way is her personal choice. But it's just sophistry to claim she's against holding Russia accountable, or whatever the complaint against this vote may be.
She stated her reasons, and while I don't agree with her politics over this bill, I don't view her vote as any more political than most of the pols who stood up for this less comprehensive ban.
Autumn
(45,056 posts)principals and the bill passed.
LiberalFighter
(50,888 posts)Maybe she should talk to one of her colleagues on a committee that deals with those issues.
PatSeg
(47,399 posts)brush
(53,764 posts)can not be immediately remedied by a House vote. Ukrainian lives can be saved by a House vote though.
Use common sense and compassion, for God's sake.
Ocelot II
(115,674 posts)brush
(53,764 posts)not grandstanding in the way.
rwheeler31
(6,242 posts)Cori Buss just goes out of her way to make the party look bad. Her ridiculous adherence to the defund the police slogan and constant criticism of her party is getting old. We have a slight chance for a competitive Governors race in this horribly run Republican state, but her antics do not help.
bigtree
(85,986 posts)...
Demsrule86
(68,552 posts)Celerity
(43,314 posts)challenger, State Senator Steve Roberts.
https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/state-senator-to-take-on-u-s-rep-cori-bush-for-seat-in-congress-representing/article_489bc89c-dde9-5d72-a74f-fe98fc584efe.html
you can already see where this is headed from the replies (which I will not post) to his announcement tweet
sigh
Link to tweet
PatSeg
(47,399 posts)to renewable energy", a better way to go would be to help get more Democrats elected to the House and the Senate. If we lose either house, renewable energy initiatives could be set back considerably.
Meanwhile, the Russian oil ban is a different and urgent issue. Such grandstanding will not serve Democrats well in the mid-term elections. We've already seen what "Defund the Police" did in the last election. We lost seats in the House when we should have increased or at least maintained our majority.
bigtree
(85,986 posts)...really just nonsense, Pat.
PatSeg
(47,399 posts)perspective, which is fine. I just think a more experienced representative would have handled it better. Meanwhile, it is her constituents that she will have to answer to in the fall. That said, she really doesn't know who her constituents will be as the Missouri legislature has not passed a congressional redistricting map yet, according to NPR.
bigtree
(85,986 posts)...and I think her district will remain largely unchanged by redistricting.
She does have a primary challenge from the 'moderate' state senator whose fellow freshman lawmaker Cora Faith Walker, who died last month, had accused him of drugging and sexually assaulting her.
2 Meow Momma
(6,682 posts)Their points are valid but will get lost right now.
W_HAMILTON
(7,862 posts)We see you.
Wingus Dingus
(8,052 posts)mcar
(42,302 posts)She joined with the worst of the far right to vote no on a bill that is imperfect. Did she happen to name any bill that is perfect?
In the meantime, Russia is slaughtering civilians in Ukraine. But sure, Rep. Bush, stand tall with your self-righteousness.
brooklynite
(94,502 posts)Autumn
(45,056 posts)I doubt she depends on any web site like RT or a message board to tell her how to vote. Contrary to opinion
leftstreet
(36,106 posts)Good for them
What a difference a decade or two can make. If this situation was happening under Bush or Trump...
Vinca
(50,261 posts)Don't they have enough of those from the GOP?
Wingus Dingus
(8,052 posts)wherein both sides are aggressively attacking each other for territory and resources or tribal hatreds. She's either dumb as a bag of hair, and misunderstands this entire conflict as a "both sides need to stop!" situation instead of a clear-cut unwarranted invasion by Russia--or she does understand it but wants to signal sympathy to Russia. Makes me ill.
Bettie
(16,089 posts)that voting no on a bill you know will pass to make a point is BAD...the most terrible thing ever.
Utterly destroying a bill by taking everything good for humans out of it and then still refusing to vote for it is, somehow good and even noble.
So, "moderate" senators and house members protecting pharma companies and the very rich, ultimately killing good legislation: good, noble, perfect.
Progressive house members making a point on a bill that passed, evil, horrific, the worst thing that ever happened.
Noted and expected.
bigtree
(85,986 posts)...used to be understood by pols and public alike, but like many things these days, post Trump, the norms have been turned on their heads.
Principled, non threatening objections from Dem legislators with solidly Democratic constituencies - basically the heart of the Democratic party, this pol with the largest # of Democrats in her district in the state - treated like the worst of the opposition.
Yet, red state pols who bend to republicans at every opportunity, and actually BLOCK planks of the Biden agenda and have killed several bills and nominations, are treated like sages.
Bettie
(16,089 posts)If it passed, one or two more votes doesn't matter. It passed.