Rules stymied GOP senators

On Jan. 3, 2009, letter writer Gary Post listed the actions that congressional Republicans tried to avert the collapse of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that led to the collapse of other investment companies. They introduced bills to regulate these entities and prevent their demise.

On Jan 6, Barry Cross attempted to refute Mr. Post’s contention with a misleading argument that Republicans “controlled” Congress before January 2007, and asked, “If they did indeed believe what they supposedly said, I wonder why they didn’t act on it?” They did, in fact, try to.

Mr. Cross seems unaware of a simple but very important fact: Although the Republicans held a majority in both Houses of Congress from January 2001 to January 2007, they did not hold a “supermajority” in the Senate.

Even a single senator can obstruct debate in the Senate by a process called the “filibuster” – an unending speech about anything – which blocks passage of any bill under consideration. To override a filibuster takes a vote of 60 senators for cloture to end debate and vote on the bill.

The Senate Republicans didn’t have enough votes to override the Democratic filibusters and pass laws to regulate the mortgage industry.

Bob Strong

Spokane