The Dems' own signing ceremony

Posted: Monday, April 30, 2007 12:53 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Congress, Security

From NBC's Mike Viqueira
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Reid will stage a "signing ceremony" for the contentious Iraq supplemental tomorrow afternoon -- before sending it to President Bush for a promised veto.

Known as enrollment, every bill that passes Congress must have the signature of congressional leaders. But this is very seldom done in a public ceremony.

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Comments

No they're not playing politics with the war. The anniversary of the Mission Accomplished banner means nothing. Keep counting those new seats you disgusting dirt bags.

Dave, Tn (Sent Monday, April 30, 2007 1:08 PM)

It would be a great day in America and the world if the repubs would come to their senses and vote to override bush veto, unforunately I dont think they are that smart.

mikeeg,abdn,wa (Sent Monday, April 30, 2007 1:10 PM)

Where do I sign?! Can the Senator also bring along some impeachment papers for Bush and Cheney to also peruse?

R.Merrell, Vietnam Vet (Sent Monday, April 30, 2007 1:32 PM)

Where do I sign?! Can the Senator also bring along some impeachment papers for Bush and Cheney to also peruse?

R.Merrell, Vietnam Vet (Sent Monday, April 30, 2007 1:32 PM)

Then our half a brain, inflexible, narcissistic president can veto it and be responsible for more deaths of our babies and other innocents in Iraq. Way to go George!

Susan, Miami (Sent Monday, April 30, 2007 1:48 PM)

Obviously the repubs don't care about counting body bags. Its all about saving Bushes rotten ass at this point.

Susan, Miami (Sent Monday, April 30, 2007 1:59 PM)

I have to say that this disappoints me. Reminds me of the "contract with america" garbage. I wish that Ms. Pelosi and associates would just simply get on with the work and leave the grandstanding to the administration. It is the only thing the administration does well so why lower yourself to that level? Instead, demonstrate that you are doing the work you were hired to do. Simply, with dignity, get on with it.

Independent, Texas (Sent Monday, April 30, 2007 2:02 PM)

THE AMERICAN PEOPLE BY A "MAJORITY" HAVE SPOKEN...GET THE "HECK" OUT OF THIS CIVAL WAR "ASAP"...END OF STORY!!!!

JOHNNY JUSTICE ANYWHERE USA (Sent Monday, April 30, 2007 2:07 PM)

Disgusting dirt bags? Not moral and pure like Bush and Cheney? No way is the American Nero playing politics with the war. No way was the war politics, to begin with. Rotten Democrats - allowing a half-grown, half-witted Napolean to start a war of choice.

Lee in MV (Sent Monday, April 30, 2007 2:09 PM)

Pelosi and Reid are signing out in the open, not in some dark back room. They are taking a stand for all to witness. Sure there's some posturing involved, but at least they are not holding secret meetings with oil company executives nor drinking and shooting thier friends in the face...

The Edge, Macon, GA (Sent Monday, April 30, 2007 2:32 PM)

The month of April has been the bloodiest for Americans this year in Iraq. How many more americans have to die in this senseless war before the Republicans along with the Demorcats over-ride ignorant Bush and put an end to this tragedy.

Ricardo in California (Sent Monday, April 30, 2007 2:42 PM)

Dave - And you don't think Bush is playing politics with the war?

Carrie, NW Iowa (Sent Monday, April 30, 2007 2:45 PM)

Watching the debates and the reruns of the debates was a interesting as seeing my cat barf up a hairball.

Wesley Starr DeLand, FL (Sent Monday, April 30, 2007 2:48 PM)

The disgusting dirt bags are the ones who got us into this war in the first place using false intelligence, half-truths, and patriotic rhetoric. According to George Tenet , as well as former Bush Administration officials O'Neill and Clarke, Bush and Cheney were resolved to go to Iraq even before 9-11 happened. That tragedy gave them the excuse they were looking for. They told the Americans there was a definite link between Saddam and al-Quaida even though they were repeatedly told by US intelligence agencies (as well as some European agencies) that such a link was specious at best. Time has proven there was no link. No WMD's of the type which could be used against the US mainland were ever found. There never was any attempt by Saddam to get yellow-cake from Niger...an idea which was believe to be myth by people within the CIA, the Italian and German intelligence services and by Joe Wilson...yet this administration used this as at talking point for invading Iraq before "a mushroom cloud" happened. In retaliation, Cheney and Rove outed Wilson's wife as a CIA Agent and jeopardized every undercover agent who had ever worked with her. These are the actions of "dirt bags" who had an agenda and used every means at their disposal to get what they wanted and didn't care about the truth or the law. In psychology, this type of thought/action is considered sociopathy or, when applied to an individual, anti-social behavior. The jails of this nation are full of people who act in this manner. Too bad the Republican Party, formerly the party of "law and order", have a different set of rules for the people they support.

Robert Catalano, Salem, OR (Sent Monday, April 30, 2007 3:16 PM)

For all of you who think this is about posturing and grandstanding, have you actually READ the bill they are signing. Have you really checked in to what they are presenting? Media hype, plus the Bushies have made this the most misunderstood bill ever to hit Dubya's desk. They are actually giving him MORE than he asked for and their timetable gives him a lot of flexibility. Just read it before you criticize; if you do that, it will be more than Bush has done.

Charles, Evanston IL (Sent Monday, April 30, 2007 3:20 PM)

THE AMERICAN PEOPLE BY A "MAJORITY" HAVE SPOKEN... BS!! if that were true congress would be able to cut off funds. They drug this bill out for this day, and everyone but the bath water drinking loony left will see them for what they are.

Dave, Tn (Sent Monday, April 30, 2007 3:20 PM)

Independent, war is not silent.It speaks volumes.

Desmond (Sent Monday, April 30, 2007 3:28 PM)

Well, Wesley, thanks for sharing and being slightly more interesting than your cat.

! (Sent Monday, April 30, 2007 3:34 PM)

Dave, tn--If the President were NOT playing politics with the war and was as concerned about the troops as he says he is, he would sign the bill AND a signing statement saying that he reserved the right to ignore the withdrawal date. He has done that many times in the past with other bills. The fact is, he and his party are grateful for the political mileage they are getting by acting as if his hands were tied by the Democrats. Add to that the purpose of his surge. To prolong the war long enough to hand it over to the Democrats in '08. The whole mess will then be laid at the feet of the Democrats, the media, and the 68% or 70% of "defeatist scum" out there in the nation who oppose the war. This level of performance goes WAY beyond "dirt bag" and is right up there into "sub-human soldier killing scum bag" Politician territory. Hail to the Thief...of young lives and our national honor.

Gary Schear, bozeman Montana (Sent Monday, April 30, 2007 3:50 PM)

"THE AMERICAN PEOPLE BY A "MAJORITY" HAVE SPOKEN... BS!! " You finally spewed some truth. The AMERICAN PEOPLE elected Al Gore.

Lee in MV (Sent Monday, April 30, 2007 3:58 PM)

ALL THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE STILL IN FAVOR OF THIS WAR,PLEASE GO DOWN TO YOUR NEAREST RECRUITING OFFICE AND SIGN UP FOR DUTY TODAY, SO THAT WE DON'T HAVE TO HEAR YOUR B.S. ANYMORE. THANK YOU AND HAVE A NICE DAY!

JOHNNY JUSTICE ANYWHERE USA (Sent Monday, April 30, 2007 4:14 PM)

Dave in TN I suggest that you move to Canada .. the Nov '06 was as small Democratic win compare to the landslide that will happen in '08. This nation has had enough of the right wing conservative war mongers who enjoy watching americans die by the thousands in a war that they made up.

Ricardo in California (Sent Monday, April 30, 2007 4:31 PM)

Susan: the men and women serving in our armed forces are not babies: they are adult, smart volunteers doing a thankless job in following our country's directives while we at home argue about their purpose and mission. They are to be honored and respected, not relegated to your demeaning categorization as babies. Argue their mission, argue their Political role, but please don't characterize them as anything but America's finest. you do them no justice in relegating their choices and duties into the category of helpless infants. Your sorry a-- is some day gonna be saved by these brave young American volunteers.

jtb (Sent Monday, April 30, 2007 4:51 PM)

Who wants to bet Dubya will have Soldiers and Soldiers' Families lined up behind when he signs the veto?

Robb, STL (Sent Monday, April 30, 2007 4:55 PM)

"Here I am, baby---signed sealed delivered I'm yours!"--Stevie Wonder

Dorothy (Sent Monday, April 30, 2007 4:58 PM)

Lee: please, no more lessons on the Electoral College, and how elections are decided in our country. You want open elections/winner take all/plurality elections, go move to Italy. You'll lose count as to the number of governments that are elected/collapse in your lifetime. And no more whining about stolen elections and hanging chads B.S. Can't punch a simple hole through a piece of paper on election day, like we have been doing in America for 30 years? then your vote doesn't count: period. Go home and lift weights for strength. This is getting embarrassing.

jtb (Sent Monday, April 30, 2007 4:59 PM)

Dave, TN, Latest polls show that 63% of Americans want out of this war and approve of the timetable. I guess that means only 37% do not approve. Are you saying 63% isn't a majority?

Jamie, Elmwood Park, IL (Sent Monday, April 30, 2007 5:08 PM)

jtb twisting words around to mean something totally different than they way they were said and meant is the same as lieing and you know it. I am sure Susan can defend herself from the likes of you but I wanted to throw that in cause you always seem to run from your being a chickenhawk cause I have asked you several times why you did not serve. I dont expect an answere cause thre is only one answere(coward).

ex-marine, viet vet (Sent Monday, April 30, 2007 5:59 PM)

Independant's,( 70% ), Approve of the Democratic Congress & their attempts to get this country out of Iraq. Call Caterpillar, the GOP's hole is getting deeper by the minute. Dave tn, can't stand the fact that his party screwed thing's up so bad as to be voted into OBLIVION. As an earlier post stated ( somewhere)The GOP has only a short period of time to save some of their BUTT's. After that, it's off to the Smithsonian for the Grand Ole Party!!

rick,ky (Sent Monday, April 30, 2007 6:11 PM)

Dude: I'll sing about that stolen election (both of them) until I die, and it SHOULD embarrass you, co-conspirator.

Lee in MV (Sent Monday, April 30, 2007 6:44 PM)

This is interesting. Democrats started the vietnam war and the republicans ended it. Now the Republicans started Iraq and the Democrats want to finish it. Now that we have heard from the liberal polls, I do find it funny that out of 1200 people in south caralina questioned only 400 saw last week's debate. Which means that 66% of people in south caralina don't give a dog about snow white and the seven dwarfs. And marine, I'd watch it about talking about cowards. Remember, this is a all volunteer armed forces. I think we have better quality people serving in Iraq then all the dope smoking hippie wannabe's we had in Vietnam. How many people did we lose in Vietnam, 35,000? We've lost what 3,500? I am so tired of Yellow dog Democrats like John Murtha talking down on our troops. And now Harry reid wants to be president? That will never happen. Murtha better remember to stay two steps to the right of his commanding officer, Nancy Pelosi.

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Monday, April 30, 2007 8:48 PM)

The war in Vietnam began with political advisors under the Eisenhower administration.He was a Republican. One of the people who died in the Vietnam War was my cousin.

Desmond (Sent Monday, April 30, 2007 9:55 PM)

jerry another chickenhawk beakflapper I see and dont try twisting my words cause thats what liars do. I call chickenhawks cowards not those who serve honorably unlike you. Your the one who takes cheap shots at those who serve in the military(remember the cheap shots at Murtha) that you regularly take, so dont try any cheap bs with me cause you aint man enough.

ex-marine,viet vet (Sent Monday, April 30, 2007 11:02 PM)

The 'news' headline 'Dems have own Signing Ceremony'-Could it be that the Democratic Congressional majority has a signing ceremony for basically the same reasons as the pResident having a public signing ceremony? Is that acceptable? If it is, can this blog possibly move forward and discuss the possible, real impacts of Dubbya not signing it; which he won't - there is Wwaaayyy to much political mileage for him to turn back now. The real drama is "What Happens Next"? - the vetoed bill goes back to Congress. What happens if 'they' jointly override that veto, or fail to override it by only 1-5 votes because the GOP reps up for re-election in 08 made all the 'Partisan' show when they voted against it in chanbers and came to their senses when it came time to override the veto; i.e. - 'really supporting the troops'? Linking to this issue today , Condi stated earlier that Bush won't have his hands tied by " performance milestones for the Iraqi Government in the next funding bill"; WTF? That low-life lying basta*d stood up there and said over and over that if the Iraqi government failed to meet those milestones there would be servere consequences - and now he "won't have his hands tied by Congress" - WTF? This lying 'gutless wonder' truly is clueless and is neck-deep in a psychotic fugue and desperately needs a 'Crisis Intervention" and By God, I sincerely hope that the Gop Reps left standing after 06 come to their collective senses, stop with the 08 electioneering rhetoric and cook this lame duck in his own juices. E.J. Dionne has a really good piece today in wapo.com that ck\leared away the fog hiding the 'Straw-man'tactic that Bucsco has been so skillfully using over this issue and restated the over-riding issue underlying the partisan bombast the WH has employed and exposed the real reasons that Dubbya/Rove is fighting this bill so hard; read it, here is the URL:http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/26/AR2007042601887.html, titled -Bush's non-arguement

Jan B. Tucson (Sent Monday, April 30, 2007 11:41 PM)

I think it's necessary to be seen signing the bill, since a lot of people will pay attention to the picture and then maybe read the caption underneath. If there's a picture.

Jane, Southern Mississippi (Sent Tuesday, May 01, 2007 12:08 AM)

jerry, did you read Desmond's post? Aand did you know who had control of Congress when the "republicans ended the Vietnam War"? Democrats.

Jane, Southern Mississippi (Sent Tuesday, May 01, 2007 12:10 AM)

I've heard the next step might be a bill with no timetables, but with competencies that have to be met before funding is given. I don't think this is a good idea, because we haave already set competencies for the Iraqis and none of them have been met. We have ignored this fact and keep sending money. I don't want this to keep happening. If the republicans weren't stubborn cowards, they would summon all their courage and vote with the democrats to override King George's veto. Maybe they could hold each other's hands and it would make it easier for them. It doesn't matter how long we stay in Iraq, the Iraqis will continue to fight among themselves as they have done since the 600s. They will not be united. Why waste any more of our soldiers' lives? Let the mercenaries stay and fight, after all, they get paid way more than our soldiers anyway. Let them guard the 80% of Iraqi oil that our big oil corporations have control of now. Or let the big oil corporations pay volunteers to guard their oil. Let our soldiers come home.

Jane, Southern Mississippi (Sent Tuesday, May 01, 2007 12:24 AM)

I had been a lifelong republican UNTIL Bush's second term. In my humble opinion, the Bush-Cheney-Rove trio are the greatest asset to the Democratice party in the history of our once great country. If they can drive a person like me out of the right wing mind set, then there is truly something wrong with the right wing republican party. I would like to see less partanship and more moderation. Unfortunately, that has not been the way of Bush. The last time I checked, Bush is still dogmatic in his governing approach. I thought we elected a leader by the people, not one of the arrogant, narrow minded, fundamentalists that he claims to be fighting.

Mike, Chantilly VA (Sent Tuesday, May 01, 2007 7:05 AM)

Hey jtb, I meant babies as in our children in which I have two who are both in college,and whom I would never send in harms way as I am their mom and the ultimate protector. If you had children you might understand what I meant and how precious they are to me(us).AND, if you do have children then, you just don't get it do you?

Susan, Miami (Sent Tuesday, May 01, 2007 8:25 AM)

Good for Pelosi and Reid-I hope they do keep counting seats- its the only way for the rest of us to wrestle back power from the far right. The Republicans can vote with the President all they like, but will be paying for it dearly in November of '08. That election will make the midterms look like a tea party.We will be coming together to take our country back from James Dobson, Dick Cheney and Karl Rove.The moderates and independents have deserted the Republican party over their obstinate refusal to recognize the reality that the war is not going well and over their decision to cater to the Christian right.

kim, crofton md (Sent Tuesday, May 01, 2007 9:21 AM)

If Bush were a competent President he'd ask Sen. Joe Biden to be his War Czar. Biden is the only one I've seen with the energy and ideas to shape the situation in Iraq. We need new energy now, not in two years. That would be something new and powerful in American politics: elevating competency over party loyalty. The new definition of patriotism: putting country before party.

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Tuesday, May 01, 2007 10:18 AM)

Amy B- Biden said on the talks shows Sunday that he had high expectations for collaborating with Bush on the war and other foreign policy matters. Those hopes were quickly dashed when he took over the Foreign Services Committee chair. He said he realized that Bush had no interest in any of his proposals or input.Bush knows the only support he has left comes from the hard right. He is playing to his base by being uncompromising with the Democrats. But the chaotic way the administration has managed the war is the reason that no one from his own party or ex-military wants the job.

kim, crofton md (Sent Tuesday, May 01, 2007 12:39 PM)

Jtb, You should be embarassed for carrying the water for this administration. The stolen election had nothing to do with hanging chad but everything to do with Katherine Harris throwing tageted groups off the voting roles before the election ever took place. Do some research...Don't twist what others write...Ever heard of a metaphor? No! It is something I can criticize to avoid the whole issue of a bankrupt administration with out any social redeaming qualities. You sir are in a word ignorant.

Ken Mesle, Springfield, Illinois (Sent Tuesday, May 01, 2007 1:07 PM)

Kim, Thanks for explaining why Bush isn't working with the Democrats and Independents. I was naive enough to believe he would want the country united in a time of war. Wasn't Biden impressive on Meet The Press? I just thought "man, why isn't that guy our Secretary of State?"

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Tuesday, May 01, 2007 2:39 PM)

Jtb, You really are a chicken. Not only won't you use your name, you're afraid to list your city and state. How comforting it is to be insulated so well from ever being found out. If I processed the world from your perspective I would be ahamed too.

Ken Mesle, Springfield, Illinois (Sent Tuesday, May 01, 2007 2:46 PM)

Not just what you say, Ken, but also allowing GOP operatives into the Registrar of Voters records - a felony that was never charged. Jeb delivered Floriduh, just like he promised. If it weren't for twisting words and out-right lying, the right wing in this country would be forced to shut up and listen.

Lee in MV (Sent Tuesday, May 01, 2007 3:11 PM)

"Waterboy," movie starring Adam Sandler

Jane, Southern Mississippi (Sent Tuesday, May 01, 2007 11:00 PM)

Sorry, gang: "babies" is not the right term to use describing or country's finest, 'cause they ain't. Yes: got two adult offspring, and am damned proud of them both. Big bonus: REALLY big bonus turned down. ex-marine: answer time: no more pulled punches: would you have joined in '74?

jtb (Sent Wednesday, May 02, 2007 11:40 AM)

To have a party to celebrate America's defeat is just plain wrong. Our troops watching this over in Iraq are probably wondering what has gotten into everybody.Listening to some of the remarks made by our brave fighting men and women, you have to wonder if they know more then we do and of course they are right! If the enemy brings the fight over here, you cannot blame the president. The enemy knows that harry reid and Pelosi are nothing but a bunch of limp wristed liberals who are running their own agenda. To listen to Harry reid talk about the war is unwinnable is not only anti-american, it gives aid and comfort to our enemy. If he was Senate majority leader in ww2 he would have been shot for treason. No wonder hey call our parents and grandparents the greatest generation. We let them down big time.

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Wednesday, May 02, 2007 12:41 PM)

You know Jerry it takes a big man to admit he's wrong. Why do all you raving war hawks worry so much about losing an unwinnable war? I mean it certainly gives the appearance of immaturity and the need to assert one's manhood...I suspect to compensate for some sort of shortcoming. Grow up you're not in high school and liberals can't be bullied by your sort. In your world any sort of debate is aiding the enemy. In your world anything short of marching lockstep with the pretender in chief is unamerican. I pity the fool. Bringing our troops home is the best way to fix our broken military. Bringing our troops home and correting the error of a depot is not limped wristed. Standing up for American ideals rather than circumventing them indeed will make every generation proud after the bad taste and nightmare of this administration has worn off. Give your leader your love, kiss him goodnight and by all means accompany him to obscurity.

Ken Mesle, Springfield, Illinois (Sent Wednesday, May 02, 2007 5:36 PM)

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