Below is an article in the Detroit Free Press
March 17, 2009Levin, others oppose adding gas permits to budget debateBY ANDREW TAYLORASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON -- Michigan Democrat Carl Levin and seven of his fellow Democratic senators are opposing speedy action on President Barack Obama's bill to combat global warming, complicating prospects for the legislation and creating problems for party leaders.
The eight Democrats disapprove of using the annual budget debate to pass Obama's "cap-and-trade" bill to fight greenhouse gas emissions, a measure that divides lawmakers, environmentalists and businesses. The lawmakers' opposition makes it more difficult for Democratic leaders to move the bill without a threat of a Republican filibuster.
The budget debate is the only way to circumvent Senate rules that allow a unified GOP to stop a bill through filibusters.
"Enactment of a cap-and-trade regime is likely to influence nearly every feature of the U.S. economy," wrote the Democratic senators, mostly moderates. They were joined by 25 Republicans. "Legislation so far-reaching should be fully vetted and given appropriate time for debate."
It takes 60 votes to overcome a filibuster in the Senate, but Democrats and allied independents currently control 58 seats.
Under a cap-and-trade system, the government would auction off permits to emit greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. The auctions would raise almost $650 billion over the next decade, with the cost passed to consumers as higher energy prices.
The proposal is highly controversial, especially in heavily industrialized regions where people get their electricity from coal-fired power plants. Obama's promise to use most of the revenue to award $400 tax credits to most workers hasn't quelled the controversy since the increases in utility bills could easily exceed the amount of the tax cut.
The other Democrats who signed the letter, addressed to the chairman and top Republican on the Senate Budget Committee, were Robert Byrd, West Virginia; Blanche Lincoln, Arkansas; Mary Landrieu, Louisiana; Evan Bayh, Indiana; Ben Nelson, Nebraska; Bob Casey Jr., Pennsylvania, and Mark Pryor, Arkansas.
The 25 Republicans were led by Sen. Mike Johanns of Nebraska.
The House and Senate budget committees are slated to vote on the resolution next week, with Senate debate scheduled for the week of March 30. (end of article)
As part of the Obama “team“, I have received several emails urging me to support the President’s Budget. I do not support it in its entirety, for the reasons given in the above article. “Cap and trade” should be debated separately on its merits and not pushed through as part of the Budget bill. If it stays in, I trust that Senator Levin will vote against it, and I hope my other senator, Debbie Stabenow, and my congressman, Gary Peters will do likewise. This budget need not be swallowed whole. Long-term goals and their proper implementation should be properly debated. What’s the big rush?
Tomorrow's the last day before Election Day, and our offices will be humming with activity. We hope you can join us at some of these events:
At 11:30 pm, on the eve of election day, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, U.S. Senator Carl Levin, and Denise Ilitch, Candidate for University of Michigan Board of Regents will join students and supporters for a “Midnight Madness,” Get Out the Vote Rally for Barack Obama in Ann Arbor. The rally will also feature a musical performance by Ann Arbor’s own “My Dear Disco.” Join Governor Granholm, Senator Levin, and Denise Ilitch at 11:30 in the Michigan Union Ballroom for the event!
Also, Lt. Governor John Cherry will appear at several events tomorrow:
12:15 pm Meet and Greet with Lieutenant Governor John D. CherryCapitol Coney Island4021 Van Slyke RdFlint, MI 2:30 pm Plant Gate Meet and Greet with Lieutenant Governor John D. CherryTRW Automotive2328 E Genesee AveSaginaw, MI 3:30 pm Canvass Kick-Off with Lieutenant Governor John D. Cherry UAW Local 4672104 Farmer StSaginaw, MI
Stop in one of our sixty-plus offices tomorrow!
Yesterday's DNC/RBC meeting to seat FL and MI represented the best,... and the worst, of the Democratic Party. But ion a whole, the RBC hearing further demonstrated why our Democratic Party, its leadership and our democracy is the most transparent and strongest in the world.
At DKos,thezzyzx posted a blog that explains why Icky was so Hill'bent on "leading" both Sen Clark Levin and Rep. Rob Wexler (FL) towards a discussion on "fair reflection".
The 4 extra delegates are a smoke screen
by thezzyzx
excerpt: "What was Ickes constant debating point during the arguments? Fair reflection. Over and over again it was stated that it wouldn't be consistent with fair reflection to assign the undecided delegates to Obama. If, as the other committee member stated, it was effectively moot, that undecided delegates would effectively become Obama delegates, why fight that so hard? There are two reasons for this, one obvious and one a little conspiratorial. Keeping the delegates as undecided creates more work for Obama. Even if all 55 of them went to Obama, he'd have to woo them and get them to go on the record as supporting him. That would mean that instead of this being wrapped up next week, it could take until July for him to reach the magic number. ... "
excerpt:
"What was Ickes constant debating point during the arguments? Fair reflection. Over and over again it was stated that it wouldn't be consistent with fair reflection to assign the undecided delegates to Obama. If, as the other committee member stated, it was effectively moot, that undecided delegates would effectively become Obama delegates, why fight that so hard? There are two reasons for this, one obvious and one a little conspiratorial. Keeping the delegates as undecided creates more work for Obama. Even if all 55 of them went to Obama, he'd have to woo them and get them to go on the record as supporting him. That would mean that instead of this being wrapped up next week, it could take until July for him to reach the magic number. ... "
Click here to read Senator Carl Levin's pronouncement on the impracticality of a do over in Michigan. *sigh*
levin.senate.gov/newsroom/release.cfm?id=294452
This past week was very important for Iraq policy proposals for the United States Senate. I will focus on four amendments brought forth by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Russ Feingold (D-WI), Carl Levin (D-MI), and Jim Webb (D-VA). I will also include how Democratic Presidential candidates (Senators Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, and Chris Dodd) voted. Overall, the proposals for change in Iraq were defeated.
