Boxer to Jam Cap and Tax Through With No GOP Input

Tuesday, 03 November 2009 10:06

As Barbara Boxer ignores GOP input and prepares to jam her cap-and-tax legislation through her Environment and Public Works Committee, Politico’s Lisa Lerer notes that even Democrat aides are complaining about Boxer’s hyper-partisan style, accusing the California Senator of "poisoning the waters."

"Barbara Boxer may not only force her climate bill through the Environment and Public Works Committee without any Republican votes; aides say she could also do it without any Republicans in the room at all. Boxer (D-Calif.) could exploit a loophole in committee rules that will allow her to approve the bill with a simple majority of the 12 Democrats on the committee, even if no Republicans are present. Republicans have vowed to boycott the proceeding. This end run around Republicans - ignoring the usual rules that require at least two Republicans to be present for a quorum - could further hinder the chances for an already troubled cap-and-trade bill.

Add Comment