Democrats Seek to Impose More Timelines (Rep. Joe Wilson)

Floor action came to a near standstill yesterday as Republicans were forced to employ multiple procedural tactics in protest to Democrat threats.  To the chagrin of Democrat leaders, we have accumulated several legislative successes by effectively using House rules that have been in place since the early 1800s.  In an effort to reassert their control, Democrats threatened to change the rules and stifle minority participation.

After hours of virtual lockdown, it was reported today that Democrat leaders have now changed their tune – saying they will not seek the rules change before next week’s recess.  It appears Democrats are trying to run Congress the same way they want to run the Iraq war: imposing timelines and consequences.

After pledging to run the “most open Congress in history,” I am hopeful Democrat leaders will resist the temptation for a full-out power grab and maintain a sense of fairness in the House.