Filibuster in the Senate!

[kpete]

Filibuster in the Senate!

by humphrey
Thu Apr 27, 2006 at 09:42:56 AM PDT

Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) is currently filibustering the emergency spending bill in the Senate. He is offering an ammendment that would eliminate royalty relief for oil companies when the price of oil is above $50 a barrel. He simply wants a vote on his ammendment. This vote would eliminate subsidies to the oil companies costing billions of dollars. Obviously the Republicans do not want this ammendment to come to a vote as it would hurt big oil. It would put the Senators in a difficult position.

It can be watched live on C-span 2:

more at:
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2006/4/27/124256/316

[acmavm]

1. Keep us posted!! I'm at work.

[jsamuel]

42. this is what I was hoping for, in regards to my previous thread

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=1038244&mesg_id=1038244

[Botany]

2. I just got an e mail from the DNC

that I deleted to quick but it mentioned something about the $50.00/barrel price ....
make the repugs stand up for big oil ..... that should make em popular.

[mb7588a]

3. This would lower the price at the pump?

How does eliminating subsidies help us?

Is it that oil companies would then work harder to keep oil below $50/barrel?

[leveymg]

6. Don't reward bad behavior.

Or do you think the oil multinationals have nothing to do with pricing?

[mb7588a]

7. I'm just curious what this does for US.

In what way does it lower prices?

[Richard Steele]

13. It quits giving our tax dollars to the wealthiest people in history?

Doesn't lower prices that I can see,
but it's certainly the right thing to do.

The Big 5 Oil corps made 111 BILLION in profit last year,
the largest profit in the history of capitalism,
so why are we still giving them the Taxpayer's money to 'encourage business' ?

[mb7588a]

19. Ok, thanks!

Now i understand the merits. Thanks for the info.

It's not really clear in the OP what the purpose of this fight is.

That being said.... GO GET 'EM RONNY.

[caledesi]

46. DS - Just had to say I love your avatars. nt

[Richard Steele]

58. Thanks. Feel free to swipe anything you like.

All of my PhotoShop artworks which I post here are copyright-free
and theft is definitely encouraged!

[EstimatedProphet]

80. Me too! I like your latest!

HOBOES ARISE!

[Monk06]

35. "How does eliminating subsidies help us?"

It's an end run around a windfall tax.

The God's Own Party wants to use a gas
tax as a campaign issue.

This re frames the issue into the GOP
subsidizing the Big Oil when they are
making record profits.

Pretty smart if you ask me

[mb7588a]

62. yeah, that sure is.

I thought it was an attempt to lower gas prices for us. But I get it now! This is a good thing to do.

[Tigress DEM]

93. Even if they don't lower pump prices - at least we don't pay twice.

How have the subsidies being in place HELPED US at this time? Gas prices through the roof and oil company profits are at a 60 YEAR HIGH.

What we really need is the windfall profit tax restored. If the oil companies get a great ride, they take the country up with them instead of tracking their muddy feet on our faces.

Corporations have come to have MORE rights than human beings and they aren't being held to simple ethics standards of keeping their word and cleaning up their own messes. They play - we pay and I am SICK of Corporate Welfare. Thank you very much.

Rant over.

[leveymg]

4. Thank you, Sen. Wyden. One of the good guys!

If you throw your hat into the 2008 ring, it would be a welcome addition.

[berni_mccoy]

5. PUT BIG-OIL REPUBS IN THEIR PLACE

SHUT IT DOWN!

[Viva_La_Revolution]

8. That's my Senate Critter!!

:woohoo:

[sandnsea]

10. Can you believe it???

Wyden???? Well hol-eeee moley.

:woohoo: is right!!!

and

:wow:

[Reader Rabbit]

14. Let's invite him to our booze-up!

Whoooooooooo, Ronny! Whooooooooo!

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

[Viva_La_Revolution]

18. wouldn't that be a hoot!!

How ya been? check out the thread in the OR forum... I think we're gonna go to the Raccoon Lodge this time. :)

[Reader Rabbit]

22. Just posted in that thread

I am seriously considering inviting him. Maybe we could issue a formal invitation, since he certainly deserves a beer (or two or three) for his actions today!

:toast:

:beer:

[Viva_La_Revolution]

24. Yes! do it.

4pm as usual. Let him know we meet every month and if he can't make it this time he is always welcome. :)

[bigtree]

9. bip

:kick:

[Skidmore]

11. Pelosi just said something at her news conference a few minutes

ago about a similar measure proposed that the cabinet official (can't remember which one) responsible for energy would recommend veto if passed. They are so going to open their veins for the oil industry. Let 'em die...

[Viva_La_Revolution]

12. He started this at 10AM!!!!

almost 4 hours on the floor so far. :wow:

[Viva_La_Revolution]

15. Salazar taking over now

I haven't been real impressed by him so far... we'll see

[Viva_La_Revolution]

16. unanimous consent requested...

by Murray

objected to by Wyden

asking that Salazar be allowed to enter his ammendment

asking Murry to modify her unanimous consent request to he can return to the floor

ooh ohh. Cochran up now objecting

[Caoimhe]

17. GO RON!!!

[coffeenap]

20. kick

[AndyA]

21. WOW - Go Wyden!

Who could have predicted that this would happen today?!?!?! :rofl:

(I hate quoting George Bush...) ;)

[Reader Rabbit]

23. Any new details?

My students are watching Anne Frank, so I can visit my computer regularly during class for a change!

[Viva_La_Revolution]

27. arguing back and forth between

Cochran and Wyden. Cockroach doesn't want the amendment from Salazar to come to the floor? I'm not sure what he's complaing about, he keeps saying "it's not fair, I have to object" :shrug:

Salazar up now...

[AndyA]

30. Repugs want to deal with 6 other amendments first...

Wyden wants to make sure they don't pull a fast one on him. Almost like he doesn't trust the Repugs...

Wyden: "We don't want to be at the front of the line, we want to have a place in the line, which is the custom of the United States Senate."

[babylonsister]

25. OMG! I just got back; he's been talking for hours!

I imagine that's pissing off some people!

[trof]

26. What did Domenici just say?

I can't even paraphrase it.
It just made no sense to me.

[Chiyo-chichi]

34. Domenici said

that oil companies pay more under current law that they would pay under Wyden's amendment b/c it is set at $35/bbl now?

Made no sense to me either.

[Chiyo-chichi]

39. He is also blaming Clinton.

Of course.

[trof]

53. Well, natch.

Who else?
boogeyman boogeyman boogeyman

[malaise]

28. Cochran is exploding

Wyden back on the floor

[Viva_La_Revolution]

29. Cochran keeps saying that Wyden is saying

He wants to have his vote first...and get special treatment.

Wyden keeps saying that's not true. We don't want to go to the front of the line, he just wants a place in the line.

[dogday]

31. Ron is getting stirred up

:mad: get mad....

[AndyA]

32. Wyden is ready to hang out, as long as it takes.

He just said so...in a very nice way.

He is not going to allow Americans to get fleeced again.

[DearAbby]

33. Kickity Kick

[DanCa]

36. The repugs can't get over their oil addiction.

Hmmm didn't Jesus belive in helping poor people? Once again there's proof that whatever conservative theology that the repukes practice it's not christian.

[Roland99]

37. Say what? We all know Jesus was in the back pockets of the robber barons

;)

[DanCa]

43. And the bankers

Is that why in god we trust is put on our money. Hmm Jesus said don't use his name in vain somehow I don't think he'd like being used as a marketing tool :D

[Roland99]

44. lol

[Viva_La_Revolution]

38. Domenici up now

He gets 5 minutes, then it goes back to Wyden

[0007]

85. Domenici blows up like a big stupid croaking frog to let

all know his disapproval. What an asshole.

[wtmusic]

40. How are the oil execs supposed to make a living? nt

[wicket]

41. K & R

[dogday]

45. They won't allow for an up or down vote

because they don't want it on the record how they voted...

[in_cog_ni_to]

47. Go Ron! It's about time someone stood up to these fascists.

I hope he makes the news! Why am I not hopeful about that?

F-I-L-I-B-U-S-T-E-R! YEAH!:thumbsup: God love him.

[dogday]

48. Durbin asked how much money are the

people paying? Ron said royalties to the tune of 20 billions dollars.... Ah there is the oil co.'s profit.....

[spuddonna]

49. Good for Wyden!

:applause:

[trof]

50. This is getting good.

I even switched from "The Great Escaps" to see this.
GO RON!

[converted_democrat]

51. Wyden is on FIRE!!! What a good man!! n/t

[radio4progressives]

57. i just saw this thread... havent' been tuned in lately, im on left coast..

someone said 10:00 am i presume that's east coast time?? It's 12:13 as i write this, this must mean he's been at it for over five hours ago! is he still at it??

[converted_democrat]

60. He's been at it for over 5 hours, and he just said he isn't going to

give up, or withdrawal his amendment.. He keeps asking the Senate.. "Whose side are you on? Are you on the side of American taxpayer, or are you on the side of big business?" He's said over and over again.. He's doing great..

[radio4progressives]

87. execellent...thanks eom

[dogday]

52. Pick a side says Ron

Either the taxpayer or special interest... That's why they don't want it coming to the floor...

[Reader Rabbit]

54. Individual Initiative or Democratic Plan?

Has anyone watching got any impressions one way or another? I'm curious about whether Wyden came up with this on his own, or whether it's part of a premeditated party strategy.

Either way, it's awesome. The headline of tomorrow's Oregonian had better be "Mr. Wyden goes to Washington!"

[Skidmore]

55. Why isn't Salazar trying to help Wyden?

What is his problem?

[converted_democrat]

56. Just called Wyden's DC office to thank him for his efforts.. What a good

man.. 1-800-459-1887 is the toll free number.. Just ask for Wyden's office..

[malaise]

63. Wyden -if it's so meaningless why

can't we have a vote on it. Why haven't we had a vote hours and hours ago.
Great point.

[converted_democrat]

71. I have gained a great deal of respect for Sen. Wyden today.. He is

an intelligent, decent, good man.. He's making some very good points.. I wish we had another 50 like him.. What a great nation we would live in..

[ourbluenation]

59. Domenici going ballistic that this will not help the people. nt

[ourbluenation]

61. He's sucking all the air out of the room...he's offering an amendment

during a question!!!! Wht an a-hole

[Chiyo-chichi]

64. Wyden to Domenici: If it is meaningless,

why have so many people worked to avoid having a vote on it?

Just what I was wondering.

Asshat Domenici asks a question and then leaves the floor before Wyden can answer?

[trof]

65. You can e-mail Sen. Wyden here:

http://wyden.senate.gov/contact/

[converted_democrat]

74. And you can call him toll free at this number 1-800-459-1887...

Just ask for Wyden's office.. I called earlier and the women on the phone thanked me several times for calling to show support.. I'd bet they'd love to get a few more calls of support..


on edit- toll free, not tool free.. LOL

[ourbluenation]

66. Reid up - no vote. disappointed.

[ourbluenation]

67. Wyden: I will stay here until they have to take me away

stay as long as it took if I thought that the other side would allow an up or down vote on wether we'll be on the side of the tax payers or the oil companies...

[Reader Rabbit]

69. Please clarify

Did Reid state that there would be no vote, or that he was voting "no?"

[ourbluenation]

70. I think they're acknowedging that they're not going to be able to get this

to a vote.

[Synnical]

68. Wyden threatening to stay on the floor all nite

[ourbluenation]

72. Wyden just yielded the floor. n/t

[dogday]

75. Bless his heart-- a great big thanks for trying!!

Even if he can't get this bill to a vote, he tried....:yourock:

[Viva_La_Revolution]

73. Quorum call 5 min.

Reid's request

[ourbluenation]

76. back - fastest 5 minutes ever! Cochran, Mississippi(R) up. eom

[Triana]

77. Now THAT'S how to kick some butt....

...THIS is the type of action I expect from Democrats. Way to go Senator Wyden!!! Even if they vote down his amendment, at least he tried. At least he brought focus to the issue and made a loud, firm stand for all to see. THAT is what an opposition party does.

[Alamom]

78. Thanx for post and play by play. n/t

[Roland99]

79. Domenici left the chamber???

http://www.rawstory.com/news/2006/Senator_bolts_from_chamber_after_shouting_0427.html

Before bolting from the Senate chamber, U.S. Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM) shouted at Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR,) "I just violated the rules!"

Domenici had interrupted Wyden's introduction of an amendment under the pretense that he was attempting to ask a question. Rather, he blasted the Senator's plan, after which announcing, "I just violated the rules! I didn't ask a question, I gave a speech. I hope you listened."

Wyden has been on the Senate floor since just before 11 am, EST. Under Senate rules, a lawmaker can push a vote on his or her amendment so long as they can stand on the floor.

[killbotfactory]

81. WTF? we give oil companies royalty relief?

When they are making billions in record profits?

WTholyF?

[radfringe]

82. WTF??? Where'd they find their balls??? FINALLY!!!

Hope his feet hold out.

If we do a thank-you drive - instead of flowers maybe we should send Gel inner soles.

[Tigress DEM]

94. Well when you let them draft their OWN laws, it happens.

This all goes back to Dick Cheney in "secret meetings" about Energy policy that are STILL kept out of public domain. WE don't know for sure what was said, but members of Enron and Oil industry were represented, the people were not.

In addition, the Energy bill gives only a few thousand credit if you buy an energy efficient hybrid (because at the time that would have given Toyota's Prius an unfair advantage over the SUV's). BUT it gives up to 100,000 for buying a SUV or Hummer because THAT makes Bushie Boy's people happy.

It didn't make my Repub here happy when I pointed it out.. he had voted for the bill after that had been removed, but by the time it got all the way through it had been put back in. It was a dark and Cheney time when bills would be "polished up" in secret meetings where DEMs and non-cooperative repubs could not go, were not invited and that were scheduled in the middle of the night away from prying eyes.

AND none of the things you THINK would have been PRIME TIME in an Energy Bill were given ANY real money. Wind Energy... Free once you put up the windmills. Solar energy - underfunded. Ethanol - from corn, renewable, for God's sake it could save family farming if we switched to corn based fuel. Then you get oil company tax rebates and the money is all earmarked. So it looks like the people who got the Veep's ear, got the money and made sure any competition was left in the dust.

Oh, and the oil companies are making so much money Bush doesn't think they should have to pay for land they've leased from the US Taxpayers. So to make up the difference he's selling off National Forest land.

[insanity]

83. :)

Proud to call Mr. Wyden my senator today

[dogday]

84. Now they are talking about a Save the Seafood bill....

Yes they are doing the people's work....

[nickinSTL]

86. This needs to be made widely known

if the Repubs prevent this from coming to a vote - EVERY American needs to KNOW that the Repubs fought to preserve this giveaway to the oil companies when gas prices were high.

[Hidden Stillness]

88. A Hugely Important Issue, and Wyden was Great!

This is the first time I have ever been impressed with Wyden, who is way too "bi-partisan" for me. This was Wyden's great attempt to get rid of the biggest single welfare program/subsidy to the oil corporations, (with Wyden even mentioning regret at one point for not doing this earlier), an Amendment to cancel the waiver of royalty payments on land used for drilling, when the profits go above $55 a barrel, as they would be not needed for expenses, and a total gouge, as now. The oil/gas corporations have all-time high profits, prices, all-time low taxes, and yet they fight for this subsidy that costs Americans some $80 billion a year--then gouge us at the pump, kill all attempts at developing alternative fuels, (for example, gas made from corn, grass, etc., that would help the suffering American farmers), deliberately lower their output to raise prices and profits, and will not allow even a vote on this subsidy issue. One of the biggest purchasers of Treasury notes, financing the National debt, by the way, is being made not only by China, Japan, and etc., but by the oil/gas corporations as a cartel. What is this all leading to, as they actually purchase and own the country itself?

Republicans never did allow a vote, and Democrats later came on the Floor and "sabotaged" Wyden's filibuster, if I may put it that way, but this had better not be over. They claim they just simply cannot pay taxes, because that would be such a horrible burden--which they are just going to shift onto us anyway--and yet even after a complete and total free ride, they gouge us at the highest levels ever, and there is no recourse. This free ride was started by the Clinton Administration, when they would not enforce the law (above $35 a barrel, or whatever it was), and now it will never be enforced. This would be instant, huge National tax relief if they would just get rid of this wasteful practice; but now they will really have to face the enemy, the corporate lobbying structure. Keep at it, Wyden--you were great today!

[jean]

89. Sen. Wyden is one of the best "good guys."

[AuntiBush]

90. I missed it!

Hope someone reports (here) the outcome...

[debbierlus]

91. Kick

:kick:

[FogerRox]

92. KNR-- take the regime down

These pictures are like bullets, I am shooting back. Take that mother fucker...

[ananda]

95. a difficult position..

"Obviously the Republicans do not want this ammendment to come to a vote as it would hurt big oil. It would put the Senators in a difficult position."

What? They'd have to stand up instead of bending over for so long?