Senate Republicans Try to Shut Down Hearing on Torture
Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the use of coercive interrogation techniques. Among other witnesses, the committee heard from the FBI’s general counsel and a former FBI special agent, both of whom decried torture as ineffective and impermissible.
Halfway through the hearing, the testimony of international lawyer Philippe Sands — who chronicled the Bush administration’s approval of torture in his book Torture Team — was suddenly interrupted, when Sen. Thad Cochran (R-MS) used an objection to force the Senate into recess and disrupt the hearing. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), who were leading the hearing, were perplexed about the disruption:
FEINSTEIN: I must interrupt you. Apparently the Republican leader has just objected to committee’s proceeding. So for the moment, we will have to stop. And we will know as soon as it’s acceptable to go ahead. … Clearly, somebody doesn’t want this to go ahead.
WHITEHOUSE: So it would seem.
FEINSTEIN: It would.
WHITEHOUSE: I’m new here. I’ve only been here a year and a half. I’ve never seen this happen before. I’ve never seen a hearing interrupted by minority leadership.
FEINSTEIN: Very, very unusual.
Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) took to the Senate floor to denounce the conservatives’ obstructionist tactics. Watch it:
Reid blasted Senate conservatives for using the “very rare” objection, and called the tactics “part of a pattern of obstruction.” In fact, just today, they blocked a measure taxing Big Oil’s windfall profits and another that would have extended tax credits for renewable energy sources.
Announcing he would call the Senate into recess in order to continue the hearing, Reid said, “Republicans may not want these abuses to come to light, but I think the American people have the right to know.”
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posted by Sharon at
9:53 AM
5 Comments:
Whenever the Republicans want something stopped they get their way, even when they're the minority.
When the Democrats want to do anything they get shut down, even when they have 100% majority, the President, all nine Justices, and Jesus on their side.
It speaks volumes about the effectiveness of the Red and Blue teams. Pity the Red team is the one that isn't about making the world a better place.
RE: "It speaks volumes about the effectiveness of the Red and Blue teams."???
There are rules of procedure in the Senate... fielding an objection effectively delays the inevitable unless it can be substantiated… which grossly elongates such a ‘pause’.... thats not power -- thats savvy... albeit w/ a dishonorable intent...
Oh brother. Whenever any politicians want something they manipulate the system, violate the system or change the system to get it. This isn't about Republicans = evil and Democrats = good. What are you, ignorant of every political maneuver ever used by a Democrat?
Get your collective head out of your ass, lemmings.
Too bad Democrats are too spineless to use the rules to do what they want, since the GOP is so willing to do so.
Where's that impeachment resolution? Why are you still funding the war? How about the decriminalization that Frank put forth months ago? FISA capitulation?
I'm a Democrat, but the past two years have been sad. Grow up, Pelosi and Reid. You have work to do. Stop wasting our billions and billions.
Come on, all of you. Why even identify yourself as a Democrat?
Do you really think the fact that they have UTTERLY FAILED TO DO ANYTHING for the last two years is an accident? They are part of the problem, they are bought, paid for, and completely aware of their complicity in the situation as it stands. The difference between "Republicans" & "Democrats" is a fiction they maintain to keep the gullible involved. The only thing any of either party represent is $$$. They don't give a fiddler's fart about you, me, the constitution, or the best interests of America. The only interests they represent are those of their corporate masters. Grow up, wake up, and realize this is a rigged game that has nothing to do with the American people or their interests.
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