FULL SPECTRUM CULTURE

In short, the normal checks and balances of the U.S. Senate have been shredded by the caged clay pigeon tactic employed by Senator Reid, and according to Senator Reid (in writing) with green lights from Senator McConnell and the White House.

How did Senator Reid accomplish this? Since he could not get the immigration bill passed under the rules of the Senate, he changed the rules.

The Majority Leader and staff leaned on the Parliamentarian to issue a new rule allowing a division of a Senate amendment to apply to where ever a Senator wanted to make a division. This is a radical departure from the written rules about dividing an amendment. This rule change will allow a precedent to be set that allows greatest reduction in the rights of Senators in the history of the Senate.

It is a Frankenstein procedure that implants the brain of the U.S. House Rules Committee in the head of the U.S. Senate. It is a de facto U.S. House-like rules committee where the minority has no power. So here is a prediction: this procedure will be used again, and without the consent of the Minority Leader.

It is a sad day for all those who expected U.S. Senators to stand up and protect the rights of the minority, and for U.S. Senators to stand up for their own rights.