Discussion: Ryan Tells Black Caucus He Back Voting Rights Bill But Won't Push It To The Floor

system1 · February 4, 2016, 4:21pm

Discussion for article #245541

johnscotus · February 4, 2016, 4:26pm

“I want it to be the product of the committee,…”

Translation: Pound sand

dnl · February 4, 2016, 4:27pm

"bottom up approach’’… which means…uhhhhhhhhhmmmmm… best ass-kisser gets the most attention, Paulie?

ajaykalra · February 4, 2016, 4:28pm

Fox: I think Ryan may be onto something. He is becoming smarter by the minute.

esperia · February 4, 2016, 4:28pm

He can take this position on any issue he wants. “Republican Leadership” craven cowards who hate the minorities

teenlaqueefa · February 4, 2016, 4:31pm

Your party can’t do anything but obstruct progress.

fargo116 · February 4, 2016, 4:32pm

“So somebody was saying, ‘Well, why don’t you go tell your committee chair to do it?’ " Cleaver said. “And he said, … ‘Look, I can’t do that.’” And I said, 'I understand what you’re saying Mr. Speaker. Now you must understand me when I ask, ‘What the fuck good are you?’”

riverstreet · February 4, 2016, 4:36pm

If only the House had a position, like a manager of the House, who would be responsible for keeping the representatives focused on their job of legislating.

mantan · February 4, 2016, 4:38pm

Mumbling then running away…Isn’t that Melissa Harris-Perry’s attacker’s MO?

gajake · February 4, 2016, 4:39pm

Running hard for worst Speaker ever. Undeterred by fierce competition from immediate predecessor.

brooklynmichael · February 4, 2016, 4:40pm

“I…I just can’t do anything. My hands are tied! Shackled, even! I’m a slave to my conference. I’m sure you can relate.”

kwoodgr · February 4, 2016, 4:41pm

In other words, I’m a coward.

captaincommonsense · February 4, 2016, 4:42pm

“Gee, I’d love to help, but my hands are tied…”

Edit: LOL, damn you BrooklynMichael.

mantan · February 4, 2016, 4:42pm

If he had Trump’s tiny hands he could slip them free…

doremus_jessup · February 4, 2016, 4:42pm

According to The Hill, Ryan does not want to step on the toes of House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Bob Goodlatte

Fair enough. So how do we drive this wedge deeper?

meri · February 4, 2016, 4:45pm

meri · February 4, 2016, 4:45pm

Trickle down - good for economics, bad for giving the blahs what they want.

khaaannn · February 4, 2016, 4:47pm

True.
After all, Ryan is ONLY the Speaker of the House, third in line for succession to the Presidency.
What could he POSSIBLY do to affect ANY kind of legislation?

thomasmatthew · February 4, 2016, 4:47pm

In 1964 and 1965, the president and legislative leaders were a bit more proactive in ensuring that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965 weren’t bottled up in committee by a racist chairman from Virginia.

Ryan is a phony and a liar.

becca656 · February 4, 2016, 4:49pm

Then, Congressman, please give up your extremely well paying job and find one where you can do something.

The Speaker of the House can do what needs to be done as the party leader in the House. You choose not to do something, then you aren’t performing per your job description.

You’re not a babysitter or just a caretaker. You have the power to do what needs to be done. You’re a coward.

Please sit down and let a grownup take charge.