McConnell May Shut Down Iran Debate

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) “may be forced to end debate on the Iran bill early this week, marking the first time he has shut down the open amendment process that was a central promise of his bid for control of the chamber,” National Journal reports.

“Sen. Tom Cotton’s surprise move on Thursday to force votes on his own amendment and one from Sen. Marco Rubio highlights the perils of McConnell’s commitment to an open amendment process. When Sen. Harry Reid was leader, he often ‘filled the tree‘ in Hill-speak, essentially preventing members from filing amendments without his express written permission. McConnell’s stated preference for a free-wheeling debate allows members to follow in Cotton’s footsteps and force votes on their amendments.”

“McConnell now has an unpleasant choice: allow the Senate to move to votes on the Cotton and Rubio amendments, or shut down debate and cancel votes on all of the remaining 67 amendments to the Iran bill.”