BRING IN THE COTS…. I want to debate Wall Street reform all night, and party ev-er-y day.
Senate Democratic leaders are planning for an all-night session to put more pressure on Republicans to allow a debate on Wall Street reform. […]
Democratic aides said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) plans to keep the Senate in session overnight to force Republicans to reconsider their opposition to the Democratic legislation.
Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (Ill.) said leaders had decided to hold a nighttime session to highlight GOP opposition to the Wall Street reform bill.
Is this a press stunt? Well, maybe a little. These all-night sessions are pretty unusual, and the Democratic leadership apparently hopes the extended debate will help further shine a light on Republican obstructionism, and further weaken GOP resolve to keep this farce going. Remember, Dems are confident they’re playing the stronger hand here.
But it’s not entirely about playing for the cameras. As part of the extended debate tonight (and into tomorrow morning), Democrats are also going to seek Senate agreement to end the filibuster and approve the motion to proceed.
“We’re rolling out the cots,” a senior Democratic leadership aide added, noting that the sergeant at arms will be instructed to require the presence of senators on the floor for “live quorum calls.” Democrats will also continuously ask for unanimous consent to move to debate on the Wall Street bill, forcing the GOP to object at all hours of the night.
If Republicans are close to giving in anyway — Sen. Voinovich, I’m looking in your direction — the all-night session might compel them to say, “Fine. Enough is enough.”
In fact, there were some additional hints earlier that Republicans don’t see value in dragging this out much longer.
Republicans, though, don’t seem long for this fight. Earlier today, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell sounded close to ceding, calling his filibuster a useful exercise, but implying that it will soon come to an end.
“There is s some dissension within [McConnell’s] ranks and I hope we see it in the votes soon,” Durbin added.
The earlier they see it in the votes, the earlier these folks can go to bed tonight.
