Farm Bill Shenanigans - You just THOUGHT that was an override...

[deminks]

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/05/21/politics/politico/thecrypt/main4116879.shtml

Clerical Error Leads To Farm Bill Confusion

(The Politico) A clerical error plunged the House into chaos on Wednesday night, as a section of a previously-passed Farm Bill was left off the paper version President Bush vetoed earlier in the day, leading to uncertainty on the path forward for the massive bill and the eventual override of Bush's veto.

The House voted to override Bush's veto 316 to 108, with most members unaware that a portion of the bill was missing.

"What we are dealing with is an unfortunate situation," said House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.).

Hoyer said that apparently the text of title 3 of the farm bill--a trade provision which Hoyer called "non-controversial,"--was left off the paper copy of the bill sent to the White House.

(snip)

However, House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) said the omission of a part of the bill could raise constitutional and legal issues.

"We may have transported to the president a portion of the bill, but we did not send the farm bill," said the Boehner on the House floor.

(Shenanigans is for my Irish 'brother', Teddy)

[magellan]

1. This happened before, with Bush** signing the wrong version of a bill

The Repubs made no stink about THAT because they wanted the altered version made law.

Anyone remember details?

[deminks]

2. Is this the one?

http://www.rawstory.com/news/2006/Congressman_writes_White_House_Did_President_0315.html

Representative Henry Waxman (D-CA) has alleged in a letter to White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card that President Bush signed a version of the Budget Reconciliation Act that, in effect, did not pass the House of Representatives.

Further, Waxman says there is reason to believe that the Speaker of the House called President Bush before he signed the law, and alerted him that the version he was about to sign differed from the one that actually passed the House. If true, this would put the President in willful violation of the U.S. Constitution.

The full text of the letter follows:

[magellan]

3. That's it, thanks! n/t

[deminks]

4. The Hill has more info, shenanigans it is...

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/technicality-strikes-farm-bill-2008-05-21.html

(snip)

Suggesting he was inclined to file a motion to vacate the vote, Boehner said the House needs to take a step back “until we understand better what we’re dealing with.”

“Before we make any motions,” Hoyer replied. “Let’s sit down – my leadership and your leadership – and discuss this.”

Leaders then retreated off the floor. Republicans immediately called a press conference to renew their objections.

The error has implications for the budget vote that was scheduled for later tonight. Blunt said that after the budget passes, Congress will have new financial constraints that would make it more difficult to pass the same farm bill.

Also, if the House were to pass a new farm bill and then leave for its Memorial Day break, Bush could kill the farm bill with a “pocket veto” that cannot be overridden. But Congress could eliminate that problem by convening a “pro forma” session every few days.

[dubeskin]

5. I was watching this on C-Span

And it was funny how Boner kept asking for quiet. I think he knows that no one really cares. Hoyer kept pointing out that the House had overrode what Bush signed, except for Title 3, and because of that, they would have to go into Suspension, or pass it seperately.

I turned off the channel, because I gave up watching Boner's face get all red, but did anything ever come out of that little "debate?"

In addition, Putnam seemed thoroughly bored by the whole debacle, who was sitting/sleeping behind Boner.

[deminks]

6. Kick, in case anyone hasn't seen.