Dems Lock Out Republicans — Literally
EmailABC News' Rick Klein and Matthew Jaffe report: Somebody call a divorce lawyer.
This tale has secret videotaping, a staged walk-out, and — finally this week — one side secretly changing the locks on the other.
And everyone involved is a member of Congress.
It's the latest turn in an increasingly acrimonious stand-off inside the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, the House's chief investigatory committee, the panel perhaps best known in recent years for the steroids-in-baseball hearings.
The dispute was months in the making. But Republicans turned up the temperature last week by vowing to force a committee vote on subpoenaing a fresh round of documents in its investigation of Countrywide Financial, the collapsed mortgage giant.
Democrats labeled that a political stunt, designed to embarrass two key Democratic lawmakers — Sen. Chris Dodd and Sen. Kent Conrad — who got special VIP loans through Countrywide.
But rather than taking the political risk of bringing the motion to a vote, Democrats pulled off what appeared to be a stunt of their own: When the time came for the scheduled vote last Thursday, they huddled in a back room — denying Republicans the quorum they needed to take action.
Then things got interesting. Republican staff members had secretly set up a video camera outside the committee room. The camera captured a stream of Democrats leaving through a side door of the very committee room they were scheduled to be in — calling into question Democrats' claim that a scheduling conflict involving another committee meeting prevented their attendance.
Republicans put the video on YouTube, juxtaposing the empty chairs and the Democrats filing out of the room. They put it all to the tune of "Hit the Road, Jack."
Not everyone was laughing. On Tuesday, the committee's Democrats let the Republicans know that their keys wouldn't work in the hearing room anymore. They'd had the locks changed.
Why? "Because they [Republicans] don't know how to behave," Chairman Edolphus Towns, D-N.Y., told Politico. Towns' office did not respond to request for comment.
The committee had been scheduled to meet again on Thursday — assuming everyone could get inside the room. And with at least one Democrat promising to vote with Republicans, it would have been another interesting meeting.
"If only they would use their creative energy to do some actual oversight and maybe hold a hearing rather than resorting to immature tactics, but I guess we're getting some insight into what lengths they'll go to avoid addressing the Countrywide VIP issue – I'm actually embarrassed for them right now," said Kurt Bardella, spokesman for Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., the committee's top Republican.
Today the panel also postponed the Thursday hearing on Bank of America's controversial merger with Merrill Lynch last year – a hearing at which Issa could have called for the subpoena vote.
Democrats, a GOP source said, had asked Republicans "repeatedly this week" if they intended to call the vote at Thursday's hearing.
"Two weeks, two hearings postponed," said Bardella. "Why not use the time scheduled for tomorrow to hold a straight up or down vote on the Countrywide subpoena?
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The congress has certainly infuriated the public, with its antics, and lack of purpose, as well as its ineffectiveness over the past 2 1/2 yrs.
One wonders who voted for these guys, in the first place?????
Posted by: Rick McDaniel | October 21, 2009, 12:14 pm 12:14 pm
Sop what? They don’t do anything anyway; they are just there to obstruct.
Posted by: Thinking | October 21, 2009, 12:32 pm 12:32 pm
Sometimes children don’t play nice. Sometimes the lose re-elections.
Posted by: oonogil | October 21, 2009, 12:53 pm 12:53 pm
Stop complaining. These tactics are just what Queen Nancy ordered when she declared this to be the most ethical congress ever under her leadership. Let me explain what Queen Nancy really meant. If the corruption involved Republicans, she would ensure swift and sure ethical action to punish the transgressors. If the corruption implicated a Democrat, she would ensure the democrats on the Ethics Committee flee the committee room rather than take a difficult vote against a fellow traveller. Don’t blame Queen Nancy, afterall its you who just don’t understand her. Besides the CIA lied to her about these ethics violations.
Posted by: j0112 | October 21, 2009, 1:12 pm 1:12 pm
I am a high school teacher in Georgia. I see teenagers do rediculous things to get out of various responsibilities they have. Most of the time it is so rediculous that if they weren’t naive and immature they would call THEMSELVES foolish. I am reminded of this when I read this story and others like it. It greives me to know that not only are these adults acting this way, but, the ones making decisions for the United States. It is embarrassing!!! The main problem that I have with this is that the immature congressmen think it is ok and seem to be too “stupid” (pardon my characterization, but…) to know how rediculous they look to rational people, nor do they seem to care. I am saddened for the country and the people who continue to vote for them. I mean, jeezmanetti, just be a man and vote one way or the other.
Posted by: Jeff S | October 21, 2009, 1:15 pm 1:15 pm
what a beautiful country.nanacy peosi and and he school childrena at best
Posted by: catman | October 21, 2009, 1:31 pm 1:31 pm
Protecting those of doing illegal activities. These people are acting like mobsteres protecting their own instead of welcoming investigations to get rid of the corrupt people running our country. I know Obama said his administration will be different than any others in the past with transparency being his main topic. His hope and change should of said lie and be corrupt. America it is time to oust them all!
Posted by: ray | October 21, 2009, 1:32 pm 1:32 pm
The Democrats are accusing the Republicans of not knowing how to behave, not playing, nice. What a joke!!! How can our representatives be locked out of hearings????!!!!THAT IS DISGRACEFUL AND CHILDISH!!!
Posted by: mj | October 21, 2009, 1:36 pm 1:36 pm
The Democrats are disenfranchising all the people who are represented by the Republicans denied access to the hearing.
Posted by: tillyerkt | October 21, 2009, 1:37 pm 1:37 pm
Thats bipartisan ROFL.
CHILDISH.. I agree but those who vote
for Democrats are nothing but naive
spoiled children. Time to send them all for a time out.
Posted by: ChicagoBob | October 21, 2009, 1:40 pm 1:40 pm
Ray – Congressman Rangel and Senator Burris are getting ready to drain the swamp.
Posted by: jamescbuilder | October 21, 2009, 1:48 pm 1:48 pm
Those Dems are a bunch of cry babies.
Posted by: 'Un-American' | October 21, 2009, 2:00 pm 2:00 pm
I think it is time to impeach all of them in Washington.
Posted by: Sadie | October 21, 2009, 2:10 pm 2:10 pm
Didn’t we vote to CHANGE this kind of behavior? Weren’t we all told there would be REACHING ACROSS THE AISLE? I HOPE we all have learned a valuable lesson on buzz words, empty promises and insincere speeches.
Posted by: Mar | October 21, 2009, 2:24 pm 2:24 pm
This isn’t post-partisan. :)
Posted by: sdust | October 21, 2009, 2:29 pm 2:29 pm
when obama is being compared to nixon and our congressmen are acting like mobsters i begin wondering how we’re going to survive to the next election. i can only hope and pray that our politicians will start thinking of the good of the country instead of saving their sorry political behinds.
Posted by: linda | October 21, 2009, 2:30 pm 2:30 pm
These are the people that will be making our health care decisions and have access to our personal health care records?????? Wake up America!!!! BEFORE it’s too late!
Posted by: Laura | October 21, 2009, 2:55 pm 2:55 pm
Dems whine and moan too much.
Posted by: JULIE | October 21, 2009, 2:57 pm 2:57 pm
Incumbents sticking it to the American people yet again… And what is sicker? The fact that you will re-elect them and sit back as they vote themselves ANOTHER pay raise, while cutting YOUR benefits… Gotta LOVE that MOB rule of Democracy! It’s the best MONEY CAN BUY(OFF)!!!
Posted by: jafo | October 21, 2009, 2:58 pm 2:58 pm
That’s funny. Instead of voting for something you walk out and then lock out. I am pretty sure that the Dems have no right to lock elected officials out of room they are suppose to be in.
Posted by: rachel | October 21, 2009, 3:05 pm 3:05 pm
Why isn’t Pelosi riding her broom to sweep up the mess? Didn’t she “promise” the most ethical Congress in history? All I see are dems circling the wagon around two of their own and stopping any investigation of wrongdoing.
Posted by: afkbrad | October 21, 2009, 3:17 pm 3:17 pm
What an absolute shame that republican senators are holding up Unemployment extension for people like myself, who ran out of benefits the first week of september….unemployment rates keep going up….jobs are absolutely NOT to be found…..and family members are hungry…..im sure republican senators will be eating a healthy meal tonite….shame shame shame on them….trust that voters WILL NOT forget this injustice come election time….again SHAME on them
Posted by: gary | October 21, 2009, 3:21 pm 3:21 pm
Children, if you don’t start acting right, I’m going to give you a “Time-out”. And doy you know how to give them a time-out? Ya vote the bums out!
Posted by: Gunrunner | October 21, 2009, 3:23 pm 3:23 pm
“Jeff S” | Oct 21, 2009 1:15:50 PM
“Jeff S”; I agree with you, these politicians’ behavior is a bit juvenile and RIDICULOUS. And it seems to be that way, when everyone’s objective is to be “The Opposition.”
Posted by: bobj72 | October 21, 2009, 3:39 pm 3:39 pm
gary- don’t just point fingers at the republicans. that wonderful stimulus that was supposed to save us all hasn’t done jack and will cost us for generations. if they had worked with republicans and included job creation rather than porkulus we should have been out of this mess sooner rather then later.
Posted by: linda | October 21, 2009, 3:40 pm 3:40 pm
Sounds like members of BOTH parties have some growing up to do.
Posted by: Yukon Sam | October 21, 2009, 4:00 pm 4:00 pm
Nice to see that Obama has pulled Democrats and Republicans together in the spirit of cooperation and unity. When Bush was in office all the two parties did was argue. Now they’re really getting along.
Posted by: oonogil | October 21, 2009, 4:02 pm 4:02 pm
It is time to clean house. These people do not represent me or the nation’s well-being. We do not need these egotistical elitists getting paid huge salaries and excellent benefits to act like children (and yet criminals). Start counting politicians….we are done with you. Enough is enough.
Posted by: Disgusted with their antics | October 21, 2009, 4:15 pm 4:15 pm
Locked them out? is that legal? Do they not represent the people of the usa that voted for them. The dems are acting crazy, stupid,and childish. Sneaking out of rooms and locking senators out of meeting rooms they are being paid to be in. Next thing you know the some crazy left loon will try to blame the repubs for this. Come on we’re waiting.
Posted by: whatsgoingonhere? | October 21, 2009, 4:19 pm 4:19 pm
What was the cost to change the locks? And who pays for it? Yep…You and Me! People wake up and let’s vote these fools out of office. I am a republican and I mean both sides of the isle.
Posted by: Jeff N OK | October 21, 2009, 4:36 pm 4:36 pm
Obama’s tactics are typical of street brawls but that’s who Obama is folks. The guy isn’t remotely “post-partisan” or a “unifier”. The unity he seeks is like the unity of a team of animals under one whip.
Posted by: ConstantXI | October 21, 2009, 4:37 pm 4:37 pm
This is amateurish on the Democrats part and smacks of something kindergarteners would do.
Posted by: ConstantXI | October 21, 2009, 4:39 pm 4:39 pm
I’m non-partisan, but the Dems are really embarrassing themselves with their antics. From Obama on down. He’s even banning news agencies! Obama could’ve made an awesome prez, but he sold out and will now be as much a failure as Bush. Such a shame. I’d be embarrassed to call myself a Dem right now.
Posted by: Steveo | October 21, 2009, 5:03 pm 5:03 pm
So the Democrats refuse to investigate potentially illegal conduct by their own members and then lock out those who want to investigate. The Republicans are no saints but it is repugnant that Dems won’t investigate their own particularly when it comes to potentially illegal or unethical actions regarding mortgage lenders – a big part of our current economic crisis. So much for draining the swamp and self righteous claims of a moral high ground. They are all scum.
Posted by: bct | October 21, 2009, 5:05 pm 5:05 pm
When China executed the dude for the tainted milk, I though it was a bit harsh. But I think they have the right idea. The entire congress, lobbyists, and most other politicians should be lined up as traitors and shot. They are the single greatest enemy of the USA. We are supposed to be protected from enemies both foreign and domestic. How do we get the military to protect us from them? Jefferson said “every generation needs a revolution”, our time is now!! Power to the people!!!
Posted by: Stevo | October 21, 2009, 5:13 pm 5:13 pm
Republicans no longer want to be apart of solving America’s problems. After George Bush left office, Republicans main objective is to prevent the current administration from achieving success on any legislation that is proposed. The Democrats have 60 votes in the senate and dont necessarily need help from republicans to move the country forward.
Posted by: johnnylee | October 21, 2009, 5:18 pm 5:18 pm
In the real world, sometimes you have to sit through a tough meeting where you will get some bad news. If a business were run like this, the people responsible would be told to clean out their desk and be fired immediately. It is time for America to take back control of Washington, no matter who loses their job. Everybody, Please remember these things on Election Day.
Posted by: B. Leathen | October 21, 2009, 5:45 pm 5:45 pm
In the real world, sometimes you have to sit through a tough meeting where you will get some bad news. If a business were run like this, the people responsible would be told to clean out their desk and be fired immediately. It is time for America to take back control of Washington, no matter who loses their job. Everybody, Please remember these things on Election Day.
Posted by: B. Leathen | October 21, 2009, 5:50 pm 5:50 pm
But it was o.k. when Repubs did this kind of thing from 2000-2006?
Posted by: B. Bear | October 21, 2009, 6:42 pm 6:42 pm
Mr Wolf and Mr Tapper are practicing what some have forgotten-journalistic integrity. The comments personally attacking these two journalists for doing their job is hideous. Mr Wolf and Mr Tapper please continue standing up for the truth- way to go!
Posted by: Downwithsocialism | October 21, 2009, 10:01 pm 10:01 pm
Millions of Americans are out of work stemming from the mortgage meltdown, and the Oversight & Government Reform Committee is more concerned about embarrassing Dodd and Conrad than they are about doing their job. It makes my blood boil.
Posted by: Fran | October 22, 2009, 8:24 am 8:24 am
This administration and it’s congressional followers are nothing but a Barnum and Bailey Circus! How dare they change the locks, this is a place for those we have chosen to debate in. We the people paid for this and now pelosi and her gang went and changed the locks?! So what, now they can say the Republicans weren’t present when certain votes were cast? This is way beyond anything I could have ever fathomed. I know the parties bicker but this is the most childish action I have ever known the democrats to pull off. There is something going on they don’t want the public to know, they’re up to something. The more secretive they are the more I fathom the seriousness of what they are planning. This is becoming very scary and I fear a public outcry unlike any this country has ever seen. Congress needs to work together and set an example to the American People! They work for us, we don’t work for them!!! They need to be reminded! This is becoming a dictatorship, very very sad. obama lied lied lied to everyone! But it’s what you libs wanted! Pelosi should resign on the grounds of being incompetent, a failure and for using all the nations botox!!!
Posted by: Fabiansbass | October 22, 2009, 9:17 am 9:17 am
B.Bear – I don’t recall hearing about Republican congress people changing the locks & illegally keeping the opposing party out of committee meetings during the last administration… oh yeah – that’s because it didn’t happen.
Posted by: ellsbells930 | October 22, 2009, 7:45 pm 7:45 pm