Economy

The Filibuster Returns

In case you missed it, senate Republicans successfully blocked passage of the Buffet Rule yesterday, filibustering something which would pass under a simple up-or-down vote.

The Buffett Rule, a bill backed by President Obama that would ensure millionaires pay a comparable tax rate to middle-class Americans, fell to a Republican filibuster in the Senate this evening, despite a new poll showing it to be overwhelmingly popular. While the rule, named after billionaire investor Warren Buffett, earned a majority vote of 51-45, it didn’t get the 60 votes needed to overcome a GOP filibuster. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) was the only Republican to vote yes, while one Democrat, Mark Pryor (AR), voted no.

A CNN poll conducted last week found that 72 percent of Americans, including 70 percent of Independents, support the Buffet Rule.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell explained on the floor of the senate that he believes passing the Buffet Rule is a waste of time because it won't solve every problem we have overnight.

Meanwhile, he would love to pass the Romney Rule which would exacerbate every problem we have overnight.