It's getting close to summer recess time in DC, and there's so much to do, so little time. For example, the Defense Authorization Bill only got to the Senate floor last Wednesday. It usually gets 1-2 weeks of debate before a vote, but there's another pressing matter. What's a Senate Leader to do?
Well, on Friday Frist moved to end debate on the bill (after only two days). Today Frist lost that cloture vote, so now he's delaying debate on the bill
until the fall so that the Senate can proceed to that more important business. What could be more important than providing for our troops in time of war? Stem cell research? Energy conference report? Alas, no - it's
the National Rifle Association's top priority of shielding gun manufacturers and dealers from liability suits stemming from gun crimes.
Look for the GOP to point to the failure of the cloture vote as a sign of "Democratic obstructionism". By all means, let's take care of the NRA ahead of making sure our troops in a time of war have funding for those little luxuries like body armor, armored Humvees, replacement parts, combat pay, night vision goggles, etc. etc. etc.
