Republicans in the Texas Legislature want Wendy Davis to pay for the second special session called by Governor Rick Perry. Their logic is irrefutable: her 11-hour filibuster prevented them from passing their pet anti-choice policy. That forced Governor Perry to call a separate session so they could complete their culture-war agenda. Since it was her fault, she should pay.
I think the Texas GOP’s idea is well worth applying to another legislative body–the one that meets in Washington, D.C.
Why shouldn’t We the People require repayment, not just for the GOPs incessant filibusters ( conducted by weenies who don’t even have to match Wendy Davis’ marathon performance–who just have to intone “you don’t have 60 votes”), but for all the other childish antics done solely to prevent Congress from getting the people’s business done. (I think we’re up to 40 votes to repeal Obamacare now…The Congressional Research Service calculates that it costs $24 million to run the House for a week, so the first 33 votes cost taxpayers approximately $48 million. It breaks down to around $1.45 million per vote.)
At the very least, the Party of No should have to pay salaries, utilities and other overhead costs of keeping the Capitol Building open week after unproductive week.
Wendy Davis was trying to prevent a bad bill from becoming law. These childish Congresscritters are not only taking votes they know to be utterly meaningless, they are refusing to do their duty to vote on nominees to fill judicial and administrative vacancies.
When my children were toddlers, and they threw tantrums, they lost privileges. Pretty soon, they stopped throwing tantrums. I see no reason why we shouldn’t take the same approach when Congress misbehaves.
Want to argue the merits of a bill? Fine. That’s why you’re there. No penalty.
Want to stamp your foot and refuse to allow the grown-ups to do the nation’s business? That’s a no-no. Here’s a bill for what it will cost you.
Yes, indeed…those assholes in Texas may accidentally be on to something….
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