Senate Democrats took the bare-knuckled approach on Tuesday night as negotiations broke down and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., filed to end debate on a bill aimed at boosting American cybersecurity.
Reid criticized Republicans and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as he filed for cloture and "filled the tree" with procedural amendments. After days of negotiations, Republicans were still insisting on Tuesday that issues like health care repeal be considered as part of the debate.
“To say I’m disappointed is a tremendous understatement,” Reid said on the floor. “I thought we’d all put national security above partisan politics.”
The Cybersecurity Act's lead sponsor, Senate Homeland Security Chairman Joe Lieberman, ID-Conn., bemoaned "inflexible positions" that led to the cloture motion.
A cloture vote is expected as soon as Thursday.
Get the latest news and analysis delivered to your inbox. Sign up for National Journal's morning alert, Wake-Up Call, and afternoon newsletter, The Edge. Subscribe here.
Leave A Comment