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October 20, 2005
Dems to Force Vote on Gulf Coast Wage Cut
Invoking a never-before-used parliamentary rule included in the National Emergencies Act, the Democratic Leadership of the House are demanding an up-down vote on Bush's suspension of the Davis-Bacon law in the Gulf Coast. As a press release from George Miller's office explains:Miller today introduced a Joint Resolution under the 1976 National Emergencies Act, which provides for fast track action by Congress when the President unilaterally suspends a law, as he did with Davis-Bacon. Although the National Emergencies Act is nearly 30 years old, this is the first time that a lawmaker has ever invoked its fast track procedures. By law, Congress must act on Miller's Joint Resolution within 15 calendar days - in this case, by November 4.37 Republicans have written to the President opposing his suspension of the Act, more than enough to overturn Bush's action, and they may have to put their votes where there's mouths are if the Democrats succeed with this maneuver.
A key to GOP unity has been avoiding tough votes on labor issues for Republicans in labor-friendly districts. But that gambit may be coming to an end.
Posted by Nathan at October 20, 2005 03:23 PM
