McConnell Steps Into Shutdown Fight, Scheduling Dueling Votes

[edpc]

WASHINGTON
Now Mitch McConnell has joined the game and suddenly, things have changed.

The Senate majority leader, who until late last week had been virtually invisible during negotiations to re-open the government, announced Tuesday the Senate will vote Thursday on President Trump’s pitch to fund his border wall and end the partial shutdown.

And under the Senate rules, if it does not pass, there will be a separate vote on a Democratic-backed package to open up the government immediately — but not give Trump the money for his wall.

https://www.kentucky.com/latest-news/article224910340.html#storylink=cpy

[edpc]

The Thursday votes, at least, will give everyone clues as to what senators are willing to buck their parties. Should a handful of Republicans back the Democratic plan, for instance, the vote would suggest a few more Republicans could side with Democrats in exchange for concessions.

The votes also give each party new talking points in a different way — if both proposals fail, each can argue the opposition is blocking a good faith effort.


Keep an eye on who crosses over.

[libertybele]

The Thursday votes, at least, will give everyone clues as to what senators are willing to buck their parties. Should a handful of Republicans back the Democratic plan, for instance, the vote would suggest a few more Republicans could side with Democrats in exchange for concessions.

The votes also give each party new talking points in a different way — if both proposals fail, each can argue the opposition is blocking a good faith effort.


Keep an eye on who crosses over.

For once, I would like to see EVERY GOP senator stand with the American people and this President.  Wishful thinking, I know.

Crossovers?  Murkowski, Collins, Romney, Graham and Rubio ... bet ya.... maybe even the Turtle.