Democrats haven't even taken control of Congress yet and they're already finding out how difficult it is to lead.
During a press conference today at the Cannon Office Building, Rep.
Rahm Emanuel (D.-Ill.) actually walked out early when protesters led by anti-war activist
Cindy Sheehan disrupted the event. So much for keeping the team together.
Republicans, meanwhile, have launched a full-scale offensive to paint Democrats as hypocrites. With Speaker
Nancy Pelosi (D.-Calif.) unwilling to send legislation through committee or entertain amendments -- effectively
shutting out Republicans from the legislative process -- a group of congressmen said she's ignoring the
same guidelines she proposed as minority leader in 2004.
Representatives
Patrick McHenry (N.C.),
Eric Cantor (Va.),
Jeb Hensarling (Tex.),
Tom Price (Ga.) and
Joe Wilson (S.C.) called on Pelosi to support a so-called "Minority Bill of Rights."
Highlights of the resolution include:
• Bills should only come to the Floor after full hearings, open subcommittee and committee markup, and with Members having a full 24 hours to review legislation prior to consideration at the subcommittee level.
• Bills should normally be considered under a procedure that allows open, full, and fair debate consisting of a full amendment process that grants all members the right to offer amendments or substitutes.
• Members should be allowed a full 24 hours to examine bills and conference reports before they come to the floor; and rules governing debate must be reported before 10:00 p.m. for a bill to be considered the next day.
There's little chance Pelosi will implement such measures. However, Republicans can gradually chip away at Democrats --
and secure favorable press coverage -- for pointing out the ruling party's shortcomings.
