tschmath Loc: Los Angeles

OK, we all know that the second most hated member of the Obama administration, aside from the president himself, is Attorney General Eric Holder. Republicans have wanted his head on a platter since day 1, and they practically wept with joy when he announced his retirement.

He made it clear that he would step down when his replacement was approved by the Senate. So what do Republicans do? They offer delay after delay for voting on his replacement, Loretta Lynch. Everyone agrees agrees she is totally qualified, but Republicans would rather have to deal with their hated Eric Holder than give in on political grounds to approve her nomination.

So here we are today, and Mitch McConnell said he will not hold a vote on Lynch until a bipartisan bill on human trafficking is approved. Of course Republicans have sabotaged the bill by inserting anti-abortion language that has nothing to do with the bill.

Republicans would rather deal with the devil incarnate so that they can pass a bill that once again covers federal funding of abortion, whicjph is already prohibited. Absolutely amazing, and further proof that Republicans cannot govern. This is going to be cannon fodder for Democrats in 2016 as they keep the White House and regain the Senate. Thanks for the gift, Republicans.

Chaostrain Loc: Hillsboro, Oregon

You're funny. If you were truly paying attention you would see both sides do exactly the same thing. Democrats are just as guilty of these damaging shenanigans as Republicans. Neither side has a desire to do what's good for the country, only what's good for their pocketbooks. The solution is for everyone to denounce their political parties. But alas, people are selfish and lazy so the same thing will keep happening over and over again.

Racmanaz Loc: Sunny Tucson!

Ya it's funny how both sides do play the blame game on each other and pretend they don't do the same thing. I agree about your solution, I was a far right winger but denounced it and became a Centrist. I am not shy about calling any politician out on either side nor am I shy about praising either one for a job well done. I feel more at peace not labeling myself on either of those two sides.

Racmanaz Loc: Sunny Tucson!

You are delusional if you think you know the Dems will keep the White House and gain the Senate this far out from the election lol. Nobody knows what is going to happen....and I mean nobody. Maybe it's time for an Independant to occupy the White House and Congress. People are so sick of both sides fighting and blaming the other, and I hope and pray an Independant wins!

RixPix Loc: Miami, Florida

The Koch's main Bitch...McConnell is without a doubt the most ridiculous example of a modern politician. I think he's worse than Jimmy Walker and Hugh Long combined.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

You don't seem to understand the issue. Currently federal funds cannot be used to fund abortions. Dems are attempting to get around that by using fees or fines that are collected. The language inserted into this bill by Republicans is basically that these fees or fines that are collected cannot be used to fund abortions. In other words...to stay in the spirit of the law that federal funds not be used to fund abortions. So, Democrats, quit holding up the nomination and pass the bill. Quit holding out to use these fines to fund abortions....and quit putting the monkey on the back of Republicans.

Chaostrain Loc: Hillsboro, Oregon

If you go and read the actually law you will find only certain federal funds can not be used to fund abortions. Which means there are certain federal funds that can be used to fund abortions. It's one of those do nothing laws that is only to appease the masses while accomplishing absolutely nothing.

It's just like when they sent troops to defend the border. The troops where ordered to no engage the people coming across. They'er only purpose was to quiet the discontent in our country. And sadly, these kind of actions work.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Okay, enlighten me. Which funds can be used to fund abortions. Even if some funds can, the Republicans are eliminating the possibility that some can't. That's the purpose of the language in this bill.

tschmath Loc: Los Angeles

The point is this: the Republicans know they cannot pass a stand-alone bill to accomplish what they want on abortion. So they insert a poison pill into this human trafficking bill, because hey, everyone is against human trafficking, right.

But the Democrats are calling them out on this gutless move, and once again the Republicans are in a corner they cannot get out of. Either they hold up the nomination and continue to deal with their arch enemy Holder, or they remove the abortion amendment and admit, as they've had to do so many times before, that their caucus cannot and will not unify to lead the country.

It's really kind of sad, when you think about it. Here ther Republicans control both houses of Congress, and the only way they get meaningful bills passed is when they crawl to Democrats for help, like they did on the funding bill for Homeland Security. Pitiful, really. Just pitiful.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

At this point the only time federal funds can be used for abortions under the Hyde Amendment are in cases of the mother's health, rape and incest. This attachment to the bill merely precludes other monies from being used in alignment with other federal law. Other federal laws preclude federal funds from being used in federal healthcare to provide abortions or to provide abortions abroad. The laws are longstanding and this attachment is in line with these longstanding laws. Get off your hobby horse.

Chaostrain Loc: Hillsboro, Oregon

The Hyde Amendment applies only to funds allocated by the annual appropriations bill for the Department of Health and Human Services and primarily affects Medicaid. In other words any other funds can be used.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

So, what funds are being used? Medicaid and federal health plans can't be used.

bvm Loc: Glendale, Arizona

You mean they finally learned from the democRATs , who have mastered the technique for over 50 years.


Dems pad more bills with more crap than a cesspool.

SBW

Oh whiny little teacher boy. In reality it is the dems that are holding up the bill. And why does it matter that they are holding up the confirmation of holder's replacement? All they will be doing is swapping one racist for another. Why get into a hurry to do that?

Twardlow Loc: Arkansas

Got an example to show us????