Ok,
Just been discussing stuff in America with some Americans (thought I'd better speak to a few since I was out there).
You know this business of 'tacking on' an unpopular bill to the end of another completely and utterly unrelated but popular bill? Could someone explain what the hell is up with that?
The best I could get out of anyone there was - well that's just how it's done. There's nothing in the constitution that says it can't be done so that means it can. Bullshit.
For those who are new to this:
In america, apparently, they could pass a Fox Hunt ban bill and have a clause in there saying "oh and by the way we're going to attack iraq". If the fox hunt bill passes the iraq bill also passes.
One could argue that if the writers of the fox hunt bill allow this they are jepordising the passage of the primary bill. However the problem is that the voting record will show that anyone voting against the bill because of the iraq clause voted against the fox hunt bill. Later on dirty campaigners (Bush's mates apparently) stand up and point the finger - this heartless bastard wants to tear foxes apart with dogs.
Sure politicians will always say things out of context to further themselves but this is blatent lunacy. Has anyone over there tried to fix this?
Dan
Full Version: American Politics
If only living in a country automatically made you an expert on its laws and inner workings--sadly, it does not. I had to look this stuff up to double-check. While it is commonly thought that anyone can add any amendment to a bill--this is not actually true:
In the House (the larger of our two sections of Congress) there is a rule called "germaneness" covering resolutions:
That rule deals only with the House--and, it is after the Bill has been through committee (where it may have been amended), but, in reality, most addendums have to do with the original bill. But, that doesn't mean that representatives don't jockey to make sure that key parts (the parts where money will be spent) occur in their particular districts. As most (over 70% I think--especially ones dealing with appropriations or money) of the bills Congress deals with originate in the House (and then go to the Senate for consideration), the germaneness rule has more weight than you would think.
In addition, the President has the power to "line-item veto" any part of any particular bill. So, if people wander about pissed at their congressman for feeling they should vote against a bill with a ridiculous amendment--they should really be wondering why that particular congressman didn't feel confident that the President would veto, for example, Haliburton National Holiday. Of course, no one wonders that because Americans have the luxury of existing in what may be the most intellectually-lazy nation anywhere.
A good website for the inner workings is The Thomas Website.
And that is all, class.
In the House (the larger of our two sections of Congress) there is a rule called "germaneness" covering resolutions:
QUOTE
The rules of the House prohibit amendments of a subject matter different from the text under consideration. This rule, commonly known as the germaneness rule, is considered the single most important rule of the House of Representatives because of the obvious need to keep the focus of a body the size of the House on a predictable subject matter. The germaneness rule applies to the proceedings in the House, the Committee of the Whole, and the standing committees. There are hundreds of prior rulings or "precedents" on germaneness available to guide the Chair.
That rule deals only with the House--and, it is after the Bill has been through committee (where it may have been amended), but, in reality, most addendums have to do with the original bill. But, that doesn't mean that representatives don't jockey to make sure that key parts (the parts where money will be spent) occur in their particular districts. As most (over 70% I think--especially ones dealing with appropriations or money) of the bills Congress deals with originate in the House (and then go to the Senate for consideration), the germaneness rule has more weight than you would think.
In addition, the President has the power to "line-item veto" any part of any particular bill. So, if people wander about pissed at their congressman for feeling they should vote against a bill with a ridiculous amendment--they should really be wondering why that particular congressman didn't feel confident that the President would veto, for example, Haliburton National Holiday. Of course, no one wonders that because Americans have the luxury of existing in what may be the most intellectually-lazy nation anywhere.
A good website for the inner workings is The Thomas Website.
And that is all, class.
Why thank you Miss!
Of course to a Brit, the concept of a crucial rule controlling american law creation being called "German-ness" is most perturbing =)
Can I go to the restroom?
Of course to a Brit, the concept of a crucial rule controlling american law creation being called "German-ness" is most perturbing =)
Can I go to the restroom?
ha--
"germaneness". As in "being both pertinent and fitting." It is also Middle English I believe. So, less worries about the German thing.
"germaneness". As in "being both pertinent and fitting." It is also Middle English I believe. So, less worries about the German thing.
UKIP? UKIP!!!? OK so I hate all foreign people and regularly daub my body in the red and white of my beloved country but that doesn't mean I want Brittania to reign over the world with the US as its faithfull lapdog/terrier...no, wait; that is what I want.
I'm joking...you can never be too careful when it comes to politics, that page really should have a SPOIL YOUR BALLOT PAPER suggestion.
I'm joking...you can never be too careful when it comes to politics, that page really should have a SPOIL YOUR BALLOT PAPER suggestion.
I thought I would revive this ancient thread to say:
Hell.
Yeah.
and also, woot.
Hell.
Yeah.
and also, woot.
Nice one centurian; I'm glad you won't have to pawn your library to pay for Pete's unwavering faith in logic. I'm also glad the keys haven't been handed to a nutbar in heels.
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