Unfortunately, the Senate has no rules barring the introduction of non-relevant amendments to legislation in committee or on the floor. Rand is a serial "offender" in this regard. He has offered similar amendments on varying subjects to the D.C. authorization and appropriations bills. It is a form of legislative extortion either to kill other (and often necessary) legislation or to force an embarrassing vote that can later be used in a campaign ad on a controversial issue. When the intention is to kill the legislation, it's called a "poison pill" amendment.
What a great line upon which to end the day! Thanks, Abe.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, the Senate has no rules barring the introduction of non-relevant amendments to legislation in committee or on the floor. Rand is a serial "offender" in this regard. He has offered similar amendments on varying subjects to the D.C. authorization and appropriations bills. It is a form of legislative extortion either to kill other (and often necessary) legislation or to force an embarrassing vote that can later be used in a campaign ad on a controversial issue. When the intention is to kill the legislation, it's called a "poison pill" amendment.
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