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| Speaker Boehner (wikipedia) |
The 112th Congress was gaveled into session in Washington, D.C. yesterday Republicans took over the House of Representatives and swore in Ohio Congressman John Boehner as the Speaker of the House. While a great deal of the GOP’s support came from tea partiers, Speaker Boehner is a creature of the Republican establishment.
Despite his lieutenants hyperbolic assessments of the last Congress and the paranoia of his budget committee leader, John Boehner may be the most reasonable man in the room. Keenly aware of how Newt Gingrich detonated the effectiveness of his caucus’ majority (of which Boehner was a member), he will try to navigate his party‘s new possibly bipolar plans. However, if President Obama courts (or exploits) him correctly, it will be for the good of the country and at the end of the day even Boehner would be unlikely to dislike the results in his heart of hearts.
Nancy Pelosi handed over control of the House to Boehner, but not before giving a speech highlighting the past Congress’ accomplishments and praising Boehner commitment to family, God and country [no sarcasm, no really]. Pelosi, in passing a conspicuously large gavel selected by Boehner, noted the peaceful transfer of power that indeed, does define our country. Now, if only Boehner encouraged his people to tamp down on the cruel personal attacks waged against Pelosi during the campaign.
Already the promises of the GOP have been broken, particularly on the budget. Freshman Republicans, tea partiers included, have run into the warm embrace of Washington’s power structure. However, some changes may benefit Democrats since the minority will, supposedly, have more access to offer amendments. The planned reading of the Constitution apparently went by without much problem, although the NY Time's Caucus blog did report some protesters. Overridden elements of the Constitution like 3/5 of a person and Prohibition were left out. The reading was meant to placate tea partiers, who seem to believe that a plain text reading naturally yields to their viewpoint and theirs alone. Again, look to the New York Times for how it is not quite that simple even with plain text readings.
Over in the Senate, the Republicans gained six additional seats, but otherwise remained in Democratic control. Only three Senate seats were up in New England. Republican Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire and Democrat Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut joined the Senate while Democrat Patrick Leahy of Vermont was sworn in for another term. There was no changeover among New England Senate seats.
On tap the first day was a host of proposed filibuster reforms. Indeed, the consensus is that while usually rules changes (which filibuster reform would be) require 67 votes, at the beginning of a new session, the Senate may change its rules with a simple majority. The Senate adjourned today without making the changes, but technically the legislative day did not end. Instead it will be held open while Democrats and Republicans attempt to hammer out an agreement and failing that, they may act unilaterally.
Despite his lieutenants hyperbolic assessments of the last Congress and the paranoia of his budget committee leader, John Boehner may be the most reasonable man in the room. Keenly aware of how Newt Gingrich detonated the effectiveness of his caucus’ majority (of which Boehner was a member), he will try to navigate his party‘s new possibly bipolar plans. However, if President Obama courts (or exploits) him correctly, it will be for the good of the country and at the end of the day even Boehner would be unlikely to dislike the results in his heart of hearts.
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| Rep. Pelosi (wikipedia) |
Already the promises of the GOP have been broken, particularly on the budget. Freshman Republicans, tea partiers included, have run into the warm embrace of Washington’s power structure. However, some changes may benefit Democrats since the minority will, supposedly, have more access to offer amendments. The planned reading of the Constitution apparently went by without much problem, although the NY Time's Caucus blog did report some protesters. Overridden elements of the Constitution like 3/5 of a person and Prohibition were left out. The reading was meant to placate tea partiers, who seem to believe that a plain text reading naturally yields to their viewpoint and theirs alone. Again, look to the New York Times for how it is not quite that simple even with plain text readings.
Over in the Senate, the Republicans gained six additional seats, but otherwise remained in Democratic control. Only three Senate seats were up in New England. Republican Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire and Democrat Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut joined the Senate while Democrat Patrick Leahy of Vermont was sworn in for another term. There was no changeover among New England Senate seats.
On tap the first day was a host of proposed filibuster reforms. Indeed, the consensus is that while usually rules changes (which filibuster reform would be) require 67 votes, at the beginning of a new session, the Senate may change its rules with a simple majority. The Senate adjourned today without making the changes, but technically the legislative day did not end. Instead it will be held open while Democrats and Republicans attempt to hammer out an agreement and failing that, they may act unilaterally.
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