CNN

Of course the costs of an increase in the minimum wage will be passed on. There is a difference between being rich, selfish and greedy, and having some compassion for your less fortunate fellow man who is working to make a living. It looks like one side PREACHES the Golden Rule, but the other side PRACTICES the Golden Rule.

Minimum wage increase for starters. Please turn off FauxNoise and pay attention!

Please, all that has done is cost jobs. Who do you think past for that increase? Do you think small business owners are just going to eat those extra costs?

Why is everyone calling it a loophole. It's not a loophole, it's a power of the pres. Which is needed at times because the Desm refuse to do anything that doesn't serve their needs 100%. The idea that they'll give in as long as puch is sending them their own handpicked people is crazy. But I guess to the dems the idea of give and take is take and no give.

I've been looking back over the year and can anyone point out one really great thing congress has done? I cannot find anything worth talking about.
Posted By Terry, Lakeland, FL : November 19, 2007 2:08 pm

Minimum wage increase for starters. Please turn off FauxNoise and pay attention!

As an Independent what I see Congress doing is trying to pull the wool over America.If you think what Congress has been doing this year is the blame of the Republican Party,you are all not seeing what's going on.If you think all this extra spending in these bills are what we need,maybe you forgot what Fiscal Spending really means.As for the Childrens Health Care,you should ask them eight Democrat Senators who thing 250,000 adults constitue being in this bill.Key word being (Children).
The problem with Congress is that they have forgotten that they are there to serve us,but they think seeing which party power is more important to them.Maybe what America needs is a Congress full of Independents who have no party affiliation and the interest of America at heart,then maybe we could get something done and stop the school yard bickering.Reid and Pelosi are a disgrace to Congress leadership.

Your grammar and punctuation are extremely bad. Perhaps we do need to spend more money to help folks out like you that lack a good education and basic grasp of the English language. You are living proof that you get what you paid for and in your case I'm saving the receipt.

These types of shenanigans are exactly what the America people have come to expect from this pitiful 110th liberal Congress. Is there any doubt as to way they continue to rank as the worst Congress in American history?? In fact, in light of the dismal dem accomplishments this year, we should just write off the whole Nancy and Harry show as a "pro forma" session. You dems must be real thankful..
Posted By RealityKing : November 19, 2007 11:42 am

Wrong, wrong, wrong! This is exactly why the American people voted in the Democratic majority. I know it's probably beyond your grasp but it's called oversight. Bush has funded this war as supplemental and emergency funding in order to keep it out of the budget. Many of his very bad choices for appointments have come from recess appointments. This is exactly what the majority of Americans want to put a stop to. We are a democracy based on the majorities wishes not Bush's minority and their ilk. Now watch the poll numbers jump for the dems in congress. The only thing that was hold down their numbers were the "unconstitutional" repukes and their filibusters. Come to think of it when the dems did that you were calling for their heads. So I ask you...would you like your head with a hat or on a platter? Dems will sweep 2008. My I suggest you relocate to Iran? They have a dictator, anti-gay laws and it's a theocracy. Less work for you!
Keep drinking the Kool-Aide "RealityKing" and stay the course as the cliff is just up ahead! Jump lemmings jump!

How about you all come back in 3 years…then again if the Dems take over in 3 years you'll all be here talking about how bad the dems are and how America is getting attacked all the time
--
Bush miserably failed to prevent the FIRST attack and isn't going to do any better preventing another. Certainly, no one believes our borders are secured from foreigners coming in.

It is documented that Saddam Hussein did not trust Al Qaeda and kept them in control. Bush gave them a place to play. After 6 years he still hasn't found the #1 terrorist, but again he's "not that concerned" about bin Laden.

I love it. Heh heh heh.

Bring back last year's budget and let's just continue this "pro forma" session for the remaining time left in this pitiful 110th Congress' term. Just think of all the money we will save..

Now Bush's entire administration has been handicapped by his refusal to talk with the members of Congress, it has been his way or the highway

it's a 2 way street there buddy...Didn't the dems also say "Bush would have not problem getting people confirmed if he would only select the people we tell him to."

Oh wait, ya it's okay if the Dems do it.

Three cheers for Reid. It has been proven that the die hards with in the Republican party will not stop blindly following Bush's desires and open up a two way diaolgue with the majority within Congress, no one ever told them it appears that they lost everything they had to lose in the last elections.

So basically, the least we can do is keep Bush honest and prevent him from filling appointments with purley political clones.

While it is true Pave and Mukasey were approved by the Democrates, no one has a problem with General Pace, it is unfortunate that the General must serve under such an incompetant leader. Pace however can not solve the Iraq quagmire by himself, and has stated that fact, that "victory" in Iraq must be acheived politically, the military can not do it.

As for Mukasey, its to bad he could not answer a simple yes or no question before the Senate panel. Is waterboarding illegal? That is a very pointed, simple question, that desired a yes or no answer. If a US citizen was water boarded by a foreign country they would pay for it, if a foreign military water boarded a US service member there would be charges of war crimes. The US military has banned waterboarding as a form of illegal torture. Other than his refusal to say yes or no to the question there really was no problem with him and he was confirmed, now time will tell and if first imprssions mean anything it appears that the DoJ may in fact be headed in the proper direction finally.

The President brought this on himself by appointing Bolton, who he knew full well was unacceptable to the Senate, but he dreamed he could take over absolute control of the Senate and thus by pass them with the 2006 elections. Sorry George, you lose.

Now Bush's entire administration has been handicapped by his refusal to talk with the members of Congress, it has been his way or the highway, well that leads to failure. The President can nomiate with the advice and consent of the Senate. That means he don't necessarily get his way, his choices have to meet the approval of the Senate and the Senate is not required to approve the individual just because he submits a name. Out of session appointments were set up to ensure continued functioning of government when Congress is not in session, not as a means of circumventing the wishes of the Senate.

His appointment of Bolton was an abuse of the provision that permits out of session appointmtnts and this is what happens when one abuses ones power.

The comment string is already showing that radicals on both extremes will show their biases. In this case we see conservatives upset at any challenge to the power of the president. Then, far-left liberals are equally prone to complain Senator Reid has not gone far enough to punish the abuses and excesses of the current mis-administration.

Too bad more are not satisfied with some effort to defend the Consitution and the best interests of the nation. The Recess Appointment is an 18th century mechanism that has been grossly abused for purely political power gains.

There is very little evidence that a single Recess Appointment since at least 1981 has been conducted for the greater good of the nation. The bulk of them have clearly been cyncial power plays between the White House and the Senate.

Harry Reid & Nancy Pelosi are the worst leaders congress has ever seen. A good leader will work through differences and give and take with the President and other congressman to get the job done. All this congress has done is try to tear down this administration in hopes of winning the White House next election. As a registered democratic voter this will come back and bite us. We as democrates as a party are so worried about winning the White House we don't even know where we stand on the issues that are important. First we for the war then were against. We are against Illegals in the US Then were for them. Nancy Pelosi now don't even support English as the United states of America's offical language. Worried about keeping the vote. Zell Miller once stated I haven't left my party my party has left me.

What has republican led congress done in 6 years when Bush nver excercised his veto power even once? Whatever Bush wanted, that congress led by lazy Dennis Hassert and his team just rubber stamped with no checks and balances. How do you expect Reid and Pelosy to produce when republicans are blocking every legislation and Bush is ready vetoing even a BLANK PAPER that comes out from democrats. You will see the prgress when dems control WH, Senate and congress.

Posted By Steve Malloy, B’ham, AL : November 19, 2007 5:50 pm

Theer was no rubber stamping, we were at war(Still are, unless you ask the dems who think we should be have bake offs with the bad guys) and the republicans understand this.

Yes I know what you are going to say "We shouldn't have gone to war", no you are right, we should let these people walk all over the world, ignore internation demands and yes attack us....yes I know Iraq didn't attack us, but it was a safe haven for some of the bad guys.

I tell you what...let the Dems take over. Let them run away from the war...let them show the world that all you have to do is outlast the dems and you will beat america. How about you all come back in 3 years...then again if the Dems take over in 3 years you'll all be here talking about how bad the dems are and how America is getting attacked all the time and how this must still be Bush's fault because you all are so perfect..and no I did not have sexual relations with that woman(Cheap shot to show how the Dems are not the honest perfect people you all think you are)!!!

You Democrats have the mentality of 7-yr. olds. Did someone read a bad bedtime story to you about Bush? Or, more to the point, did you buy the crap Soros et al has paid $millions of dollars to teach you Bush hate? I doubt if even one of you has taken the time to research your hate and really look this mud-slinging in the face. Cowards are like that. What pitiful creatures the Dems.

I commend Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid for not letting President George W. Bush make recess appointments without the approval and oversight of the Senate.

So Harry, the Senate is still in session? So I guess we can expect the same kind of progress in the Senate's "vacation while in session" as we have had since you got the job of Senate Majority Leader.

I guess when you can't accomplish anything in the normal session of congress, you do this little stunt for some good PR. The Democrats are such losers, Bush whips them everytime. What do you want to bet that the Dems fold on this one too...the need for turkey and trimmings is just too much to resist.

Good for you, Harry! I'd hate to give the President an opportunity to appoint anyone who believes in capitalism and the Constitution. No, do your best to leave all the vacancies open, then you, Hillary, and Pelosi can fill all those positions with as many socialists as you can pry from their cushy, tenured university jobs!

At least the terror of a Hillary presidency will be tempered by the knowledge that she will serve only one term, and Reid will be voted out of office.

Thank God Harry is finally starting to stand up for us! I hope he has the political backbone to stand up to Bush about the war.

if this is such a good idea, why does Congress have such a low approval rating compared with the Pres.?

I haven't been the biggest Harry Reid fan but this is great!! Way to go Harry!! Checks and balances – the way it is SUPPOSED to work. Not sneaking in appointments during recess when they were actually blocked while in session

Senator Reid your tenure as majority leader has been absymal. Looks like you have found a way to success. keeping your mouth shut , not bragging about what you are going do and accomplishing nothing. YOU FINALLY GOT SOMETHING RIGHT!!! About time. 78 yr old veteran and always democratic.

Anything to give the Republicans a taste of their own medicine. Every republican is responsible for the disaster they've brought upon us the last 6 years and Reid is correct to be vigilant against the sneaky crap Bush will undoubtedly try.

This right winger writes:
I've been looking back over the year and can anyone point out one really great thing congress has done? I cannot find anything worth talking about.

Posted By Terry, Lakeland, FL : November 19, 2007 2:08 pm

What has republican led congress done in 6 years when Bush nver excercised his veto power even once? Whatever Bush wanted, that congress led by lazy Dennis Hassert and his team just rubber stamped with no checks and balances. How do you expect Reid and Pelosy to produce when republicans are blocking every legislation and Bush is ready vetoing even a BLANK PAPER that comes out from democrats. You will see the prgress when dems control WH, Senate and congress.

If the Senate Democrats can prevent this incompetent president from making political hack appointments ... it would go a long way in getting my support in the Novemnber 2008 elections.

The democrats may be in the lead positions of congress but there are republicans as well as independents that make up the entire congress. Republicans have blocked every bill that would benefit the american people just to stay loyal to a dumb, arrogrant, incompent president. The congress is supposed to be working for the people and not the president. Those of you that have republican representatives should vote them out of office come next election because it is apparent that they don't have your best interest at heart but continue to support the worst president this country has ever had.

Bush came into office bragging about he was a uniter but his actions have been anything but and he has divided this country even further than it was when he took office. Those of you that voted for Bush not once but twice should be ashamed to know that your vote helped put the worst president in US history in office who has just about destroyed this country.

As for Berger we will never know as long as the political parties protect their own.what America needs is an Independent oversight commission.If you think Republicans are the only corrupt ones,imagine what we would learn about everyone if investigations weren't done by the same political party.Just ask the Democratic Party won't hold hearings into Bergers shreading party.It's not like anyone hasn't asked for one in Congress.Lobbyist,Corporate America and Special Interest Groups have Washington Politicians in their back pockets.

To Doug in Atlanta. Congress may have a lower approval rating than Bush, but I wouldn't gloat too much if I were you. When its broken down, the republicans in Congress have a lower ranking than the democrats. if you took the republicans out of the equation... guess what? the congress approval rating goes above your friend Dubya.

Nice try, but each time you spout the nonsense that you hear on Faux No News you will lose.

However, I have been as frustrated as anyone this past year, but Harry put a smile on my face today.

Sen. Reid is absolutley right in doing this. the president has proven he can't be trusted in instances where he could make bi-partisan decisions.....

As an Independent what I see Congress doing is trying to pull the wool over America.If you think what Congress has been doing this year is the blame of the Republican Party,you are all not seeing what's going on.If you think all this extra spending in these bills are what we need,maybe you forgot what Fiscal Spending really means.As for the Childrens Health Care,you should ask them eight Democrat Senators who thing 250,000 adults constitue being in this bill.Key word being (Children).
The problem with Congress is that they have forgotten that they are there to serve us,but they think seeing which party power is more important to them.Maybe what America needs is a Congress full of Independents who have no party affiliation and the interest of America at heart,then maybe we could get something done and stop the school yard bickering.Reid and Pelosi are a disgrace to Congress leadership.

wao, finally showing some backbone

Richard in West Palm Beach: The fact is that no one knows exactly what Berger took as much of what he removed had not yet been archived.
As far as him being charged and convicted, isn't he still due to take a lie detector test?

Harry, Harry quite contrary.

To Eric Palmieri's comment about President Bush's approval rating. The last time I checked the democrat congress has a lower approval rating. A fact you liberals would rather ignore

John from Middleton, CT

I think your idea of a ten year limit on laws is agreat one. However it will never fly. It has the disadvantage of being sensible.

When your record is 0 and 41 on Iraq, you'll stoop to any level..

Thank you for exercising checks and balances, Senator Reid, much appreciated

David in Dallas–it was Schumer, D-NY, that worked the deal out to nominate Mukasey. My point is that this Congress seems to think that their right to "advise and consent" should be overstepped to take over the Administrative branch completely because so many people hate Bush. This power struggle will have no winners, just more of the stasis and posturing we've gotten from both sides. I hope that all the people applauding Pelosi & Reid will approve of a future GOP-led Congress trying to smash Mrs. Clinton's administration. What goes around, comes around.

110th Congressional accomplishments:

1)gave illegals a raise *American's don't do those jobs
2)called roll 5 days a week *even when no one present
3)?

Congress lead by Nancy and Harry never accomplished anything while *IN* session so how is this any different?

Posted By James, Phoenix AZ : November 19, 2007 11:53 am

If it weren't for all the brain-dead Republicans in teh House and Senate voting in lock-step to protect Bush, the Dem leadership would have been able to get LOTS accomplished for the American people.

People need to reject RepubliKKKan obstructionism by VOTING DEMOCRATIC next November.

For all the people who complain that they haven't accomplished anything, I could have sworn that that minimum wage increased earlier this year. For the first time in how many years???

Even if it were true (it's not, as mentioned, the 110th has more roll call votes than any other Congress in history), I'd prefer stagnation to the Bushies passing any bill that they please, many times to the detriment of the US people.

I don't think that many of you realize that the system of checks and balances that was created by our founders is designed to work this way. It creates some semblance of stability even through times of a highly divided government and electorate.

oh and you want to talk about loopholes, how about the one that allows Hillary and Bill so send a lacky out to steal and destroy tons of public documents that shine a bad light on them adn then stonewall the peoples request to get replacement copies.

I know what you are going to say...there's nothing bad in those papers....ya right...that's the dems for you, they think everyone is stupid.

Carl in Dallas:

You said Nancy Pelosi and Hillary Clinton don't have egos!

Thanks for the laugh, I was having a bum day.

Why is everyone calling it a loophole. It's not a loophole, it's a power of the pres. Which is needed at times because the Desm refuse to do anything that doesn't serve their needs 100%. The idea that they'll give in as long as puch is sending them their own handpicked people is crazy. But I guess to the dems the idea of give and take is take and no give.

I've been looking back over the year and can anyone point out one really great thing congress has done? I cannot find anything worth talking about.

Wonder how much reid was paid to stay behind?

In the end, it doesn't matter that much - all the evidence points to Democrats gaining even more seats in both the House and Senate in 2008.

Even if a Republican wins the White House, it'll be a lot easier for Congress to override any vetoes he issues. And if a Democrat wins...

Here's some facts so we are all on the same page:

House Democrats set the record for most votes ever: http://www.politico.com/blogs/thecrypt/1007/House_Democrats_set_record_on_roll_call_votes.html

Why do people believe the Democrats are not passing bills? Because republicans have used the filibuster to obstructe 1 out of every 6 of those votes: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/226/story/18218.html

There's the facts. Not that it will stop the Bush Lovers from lying about it!

Harry was right on the money with this move. Bush and co. are such sneaky SOB'S, they will exploit any opportunity to implement their agenda. Consider me a political independent and ex-Republican who won't be voting for Hillary.

To all you Republic Party losers: Nyah Nyah!!!! LOL Give em hell Harry!!

The irony is Congress will achieve more by being in recess...well, maybe it's to surprising with leadership from Reid and Pelosi.

The Constitution gives a president the power to fill vacancies without the Senate's confirmation when the legislative body is in recess.

Yeah,, like the Constitution is any barrier to those loathsome criminals in power right now!

Since they haven't passed one meaningful bill since you've been in power but have managed to put billions in your own little coffers, I say "SCREW YOU REID"! You are worthless and feel no shame for doing absolutely nothing positive for the U.S.A.!!

Hey, when you've got a President who uses loopholes to circumvent the process–you have to act accordingly. Good job Harry!!

Give em Hell Harry!

Congress lead by Nancy and Harry never accomplished anything while *IN* session so how is this any different?

Desperate politicians! No wonder your approval rating is 11%.

Posted By James, Phoenix AZ : November 19, 2007 11:53 am

Harry Reid should have done this trick before to counter Bush's dirty trick. Democrats can't get anything because of the republicans mentality and Bush's veto power. Bush doesn't care about his reputation as his legacy has already tanished. But, thos republicans who support him will have to pay for the consequences in 2008.

Can Reid and Bush finally just have a contest to see who's "ego" is bigger....

in the end, that is what it is all about anyway...

sorry nancy and hillary, but you don't have one so you can't!

Bill in Hartford said, Let me understand this: Senator Reid expects the President to accept "Democratic" suggestions for appointments? Weren't Gen'l Pace and Mukasey "Democratic" suggestions as well?

Nope.

ronnie in Knoxville said, [Sic] figures. Reid puts playing politics over family for Thanksgiving !

Sorry, no. Reread the article.

Bill in Streamwood said, Perhaps George Bush will eventually get the message that "to compromise" doesn't mean " to concede," it means "to make progress by working together."

Amen. Maybe "RealityKing" and others here (not to mention Bush) should be taking notes. Real leadership has never been about thwarting progress.

wow, they are dedicated to their jobs, while one day pushing for a 3 day work week, and a raise to boot. now they want to stay and work hard for the money, must be an election year.

Posted By RealityKing : November 19, 2007 11:42 am – Get your facts straight!!

110th Congress has broken the record for *more votes* and more days worked than any congress in history!

compare that the the 109th (GOP) congress, which had the *least* number of votes and days worked!

LOL, GOP strategy is to lie when the facts are against you.

get your facts right

It would be nice to see that part of the Constitution amended. Bush's abuse of this ability shows it's just a loophole in checks and balances.

I'm happy to see so many comments approving of Reid's move.

Holding pro forma sessions is – afterall – a Constitutional right of the Senate, just as recess appointments are a Constitutional right of the president.

LOL, this is what we call "checks and balances."

I hope our government will continue to work the way its supposed to, as opposed to the broken government the Bush Administration has created.

Cheney and Bush have basically done nothing up front and honestly. Hopefully more tactics will be used to stop their misuse of power.

To James from Phoenix, the reason nothing is getting done in Congress is not the fault of the Democrats. The Republicans in Congress are blocking almost all legislation that isn't endorsed by the White House. This is absolutely pathetic.

Posted By Bob, Syracuse, NY : November 19, 2007 12:31 pm

---–

Bob – laying the fault at either the Republicans or Democrats feet for the failure of Congress to get work done wouldn't be accurate. BOTH parties have some blame.

Democrats could have passed a smaller SCHIPS bill successfully (The President agreed to an additional $5 Billion... but democrats added $22 Billion)

Democrats could HAVE an impeachment debate but when last voted (Republicans suddenly changing their vote from NAY to YAH) – Democrats scrammbled to push the issue into a subcommitted as opposed to a floor debate.

Certainly Republicans are using their minority status as effectively as they can (in pursuit of their causes)... but both parties are to blame.

And when the institution of Congress fails to act – the "buck stops" with the Leadership: Nancy & Harry.

(Let's be consistent... everyone wants to blame Bush for Katrina, and any OTHER possible issue)

figures. Reid puts playing politics over family for Thanksgiving !

Posted By ronnie knoxville tn : November 19, 2007 12:19 pm

-------

You've completely missed the point here. Reid did it to prevent our sneaky president from abusing his power again. The Constitution intended for a balance of powers and Bush has done everything he can to circumvent that. Bush has abused the recess appointments to get in people that Congress will not approve of, like John Bolton and the head of MSHA who approved re-entry into the Utah mine when 3 rescue workers died. In his first 6 years, Bush has made 27 more recess appointments than Bill Clinton did in 8 years. The biggest abuser apparently was fellow Republican Ronald Reagan who made over 100 more recess appointments than Clinton.

You'd have to be very naive to think Bush wasn't planning to "put playing politics over family for Thanksgiving!".

Some entity or person has a lower approval rating in the polls than King George?

Pathetic!

I am no Democrat, but like to see moves like this to keep Bush in check.

Another useless tactic done by the "Do Nothing" Congress. Maybe they could use the time to start yet another investigation or maybe pass legislation that has no hope of becoming law. In addition, all of those Democrats who complain about Bush not compromising have conveniently forgotten about the 1st 100 Days push when this Congress shut out any Republican input on legislation. What a bunch of hypocrites! No wonder they have lower approval ratings than Bush.

To James from Phoenix, the reason nothing is getting done in Congress is not the fault of the Democrats. The Republicans in Congress are blocking almost all legislation that isn't endorsed by the White House. This is absolutely pathetic.

Its a step in the right direction...albeit self serving. They should eliminate the "recess" rule – theres a reason why we have a checks and balances government (I'm a Republican who feels as though the process is for everyone) – and get rid of earmarks once and for all – also all laws will have an expiration date stamped on them – every 10 years – they will need to be reviewed to ensure they are still worth it....thoughts??

figures. Reid puts playing politics over family for Thanksgiving !

Awww, RealityKing...are you mad because the deomcrats are finally trying to stop Bush and the GOP from walking around the rules like they always do? If these nominees are qualified for the job, how would going through a confirmation hearing hurt? Personally, I would like for the officials who run the country that I live in to be well qualified...unlike yourself, who probably thinks a nominee is good for the job because 'Dubya said so'. Though as of late it has been a typical Republican tactic to blame Congress instead of the White House for all of our problems(by saying its a 'do-nothing' Congress). Congress DOES try to pass meaningful legislation(i.e. kids health insurance, and troop withdrawl) but Dubya Jr. and the republicans keep blocking it!

It's ashame to play the cat and mouse game with GWB to stop him from hiring people like John Bolton. Remember John Bolton went to the U.N. with the same dogmatic approach as Bush which was not well received. I was glad when his internship was over.

Are you sure you are using the right name "RealityKing?"

"These types of shenanigans are exactly what the America people have come to expect from this pitiful 110th liberal Congress. Is there any doubt as to way they continue to rank as the worst Congress in American history?? In fact, in light of the dismal dem accomplishments this year, we should just write off the whole Nancy and Harry show as a "pro forma" session. You dems must be real thankful.."

Shenanigans? I almost couldnt type for laughing at this ignorant post. You Bush loving Republicans have been living in anything but reality for years now. The republicans have been the leaders in shady political manuverings and dirty politics. The leader of your party, G.W., will go down in history as one of the most corrupt Presidents in history. And who can forget "the hammer?" What a crook! Karl Rove did more to damage the political landscape in America than any Democrat ever could. And take that into account that this Democratic Legislature is taking heat over becasue the work of the people they continue to try and do in a reasonable manner get vetoed by the should be felon in the White House. Fortunately (or unfortunatly)this legislature did not learn from the Republican Congress from which it took over. The Republicans believed in winning, no matter what the cost, no matter how poor the policy, no matter how many lies the party leaders had to tell.
Your screen name should be Fantasyland....

It is very important for Congress to put things back in order. This President has for 6 1/2 years treated the Office of President as a Dictatorship, It is time it Stopped!
73% of America support Congress taking back our Country

Congress lead by Nancy and Harry never accomplished anything while *IN* session so how is this any different?

Desperate politicians! No wonder your approval rating is 11%.

Not a big Harry Reid fan, but if this will stop any more of the Bush/Cheney dirty tricks, I'm all for it.

Only Congress could call themselves "in session" when no one is even there. I will not forget..

These types of shenanigans are exactly what the America people have come to expect from this pitiful 110th liberal Congress. Is there any doubt as to way they continue to rank as the worst Congress in American history?? In fact, in light of the dismal dem accomplishments this year, we should just write off the whole Nancy and Harry show as a "pro forma" session. You dems must be real thankful..

Great move on Senator Harry Reid's part. The is a brilliant tactical maneuver by the Majority Leader. Bush has proven himself to circumvent the legislatures on past recesses and I'm sure he was going to do the same this time. I'm sure he is probably in a blue funk that his chance has been blocked.

Give em hell, Harry!

Finally the Democrats are doing what they are supposed to be doing.

Perhaps George Bush will eventually get the message that "to compromise" doesn't mean " to concede," it means "to make progress by working together."

Good for Reid! No more back-door appointments for Dubya. I'm tired of Bush sneaking around the rules just because he doesn't want to give an inch to the Dems.

Let me understand this: Senator Reid expects the President to accept "Democratic" suggestions for appointments? Weren't Gen'l Pace and Mukasey "Democratic" suggestions as well? Hate Bush all you like–but the "opposition" is even worse.

One of a few good things Harry has done in a long time.