Reply #38: Senate Democrats have several options to pass the repeal of DADT in this session of Congress [View All]

[Better Believe It]

Here's just a few:

1. Democrats can and should begin the debate continue it in the Senate. Don't withdraw the bill and keep the Senate in session until 60 votes are obtained to end the debate. In fact, Senator Reid has the power to use Senate Rule 22 to force Republicans to engage in a real filibuster on the Senate floor if he so chooses until 60 votes are obtained for cloture.

2. Senator Reid has the power to end his "two-track" procedure in which the Senate can take up other Senate business while a bogus pretend Republican filibuster is taking place in opposition to repeal of DADT. Don't take up any other business until DADT repeal is passed. Let the Republicans tie up the Senate until hell freezes over. Don't let them go home for Christman! Bring out the cots. Let's test their resolve.

3. Senator Reid has the power to keep the Senate in session around the clock and can call upon Democratic Senators to take and hold the Senate floor in support of repealing DADT until such time as Republicans decide they want to end the "debate" so they can move on to other Senate business before they go home.

4. Senator Reid can use the "Constitutional Option" with the support of Vice-President Biden to prevent any kind of Republican filibuster and have an up and down vote to pass the DADT repeal measure.

5. And of course Senate Democrats can also apply these options to extending unemployment benefits, passing a $250 Social Security payment, ratifying the SALT treaty, etc.,

The Republicans are challenging the Democratic leadership in Congress and President Obama.

Will they once again surrender to Republican demands and obstructionism or actually fight them this time around?

If they capitulate, Democrats will really be letting Republicans set the political agenda and are setting themselves up for a Republican takeover of both houses of Congress and the White House in 2012.