House GOP Scraps Plan for Joint Probe on Hurricane Response

[Rose Siding]

WASHINGTON -- Congressional Republicans signaled today that they have abandoned their plan to conduct a joint House-Senate probe of the government's response to Hurricane Katrina.

In announcing a joint probe this month, the Republican leadership had said it would be the most efficient way to investigate the administration's much-criticized initial response to the hurricane. But today, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) conceded that he could not overcome Democratic opposition to a joint investigation.

The Democratic leadership has refused to appoint members to a joint committee, citing the lack of equal representation of Democrats on the panel, and the lack of power to issue subpoenas that the majority opposed. Democrats also have insisted on an independent inquiry.

Democratic opposition has left Republicans little maneuvering room for mounting a credible probe. With the joint investigation apparently off the table, Republicans can only hope that Democrats will participate in each chamber's separate investigation. It was far from clear today that Democrats would do that.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-091905probe_lat,0,3302428.story?coll=la-home-headlines

:woohoo:

[GreenPartyVoter]

1. Glad the Dems are standing up on this

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

14. Just goes to show...

Republicans really are scared of angry black people. :)

[skids]

2. For once...

...Dem politicians can be cheered for NOT doing something. :-)

[Pirate Smile]

3. Great. Recommended.

[intheflow]

4. Nominated because it gives me hope.

:)

[Merlot]

5. "Democratic opposition" - I like hearing that.

citing the lack of equal representation of Democrats on the panel, and the lack of power to issue subpoenas that the majority opposed.

Thank you dems...it's about time!

[Rose Siding]

6. AND: Pelosi "remains adament"

"that Democrats will not participate in the House committee."

*swoon*

[ktowntennesseedem]

7. Just make sure we keep kicking the reasons why.

I think by now that most American's with half-an-ounce of common sense realize that Repugs are trying to whitewash this mess and save their collective ass. But if we don't keep reminding everyone (even if its just "preaching to the choir") that we insist on an independent investigation, Rove & Co. will spin this into "We tried to get to the bottom of this but those terrible un-American Dems won't let us."

[klebean]

8. that skein has spun.

[KoKo]

9. Good for our Dems...throw it right back on Repugs Doorstep.

When they walk out of Congress they will make my day...and I will believe in them once again...but this is a good move, I think. :shrug:

[Erika]

10. Without Dems, the investigation will have no credibility

I hope Dems hold firm.

[Stinky The Clown]

11. This is effectively a walkout ... they should have done this long ago

I'm happy they did this. I'm also troubled it took them this long to grow that vestigial little spine they seem to now have.

Too little too late

Tax cuts

Bankruptcy

Iraq War©

Election fraud(s)

Roberts

Alberto

Sooooo much more ......

[Nothing Without Hope]

12. It's about damn time the Dems stood up and stopped enabling GOPs!!!

:toast:

[loudsue]

13. Way to go, Dems!!!

:bounce: These days, you're going to have to SHOUT! the reason WHY you're not supporting this! The media won't report it, so send out letters saying WHY this was a whitewash!

:applause: :woohoo: Glad to see they stood up for at least ONE of their principles!! :applause:

:kick:

[Twist_U_Up]

15. Lets see them all arm to arm on House steps the 24th

oh what a site

[cyberpj]

16. Write 'em in support when they finally stand up - ENCOURAGE MORE OF THIS

I'm writing now but thought I'd post a reminder.

The more vocal support we give the more strength they might feel.

Yah?