Republicans Going To Filibuster Auto Bailout? UPDATE: DeMint Is Pro-Bankruptcy
I’m cautiously optimistic that they will, though what worries me is that they’re only threatening to filibuster a version of it.
Senator Richard Shelby is on board with a filibuster. So is Senator John Ensign, and apparently Jim DeMint as well:
“Ensign is exactly right. This bailout will hurt taxpayers, it won’t help the economy, and it will prevent these car companies from becoming competitive. The only way for the automakers to survive is a complete restructuring that allows them to break free from the stranglehold of union bosses. If Senator Ensign insists on debate on this legislation, I’ll fully support him.”
I hope the sort of restructuring DeMint is talking about is the sort brought on by chapter 11 bankruptcy and not some revised bailout bill. Because there is no need for a bailout to prompt restructuring in the American auto industry.
All that’s needed is to let them fail.
Update: A DeMint staffer emails:
Just read your post on GOP senators opposing the bailout. Just to be clear: Yes, DeMint strongly opposes the auto bailout and has repeatedly called on them to use the tools of bankruptcy to restructure. Here’s video of DeMint saying exactly that a couple weeks ago:
Here’s the video:
Sounds like DeMint and the other Republicans threatening the filibuster are on the right side of this one.
