Today, our battle to pass Audit the Fed through the U.S. Senate has been joined. The first shot was fired on the floor of the Senate tonight by Senator Jim DeMint of South Carolina.
Senator DeMint has a well-deserved reputation for taking the battle to the other side in the Senate, and tonight he once again proved why he is such a valuable ally in our fight to bring transparency and accountability to the Federal Reserve.
Occasionally, a chance comes along to take quick action on a bill, and Senator DeMint took just such an opportunity.
A little while ago, the Senate voted to pass HR 2918, the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act. This $3.1 billion bill contains, among many other things, provisions for GAO audits on certain agencies.
With this in mind, Senator DeMint attached the full text of S 604, the Senate version of Ron Paul's Audit the Fed bill, to HR 2918 as Senate Amendment 1367 before it was considered for final passage.
However, Senate Democrats refused to even allow a vote on the amendment! Instead of giving it a chance to stand before the Senate, they swept it under the rug with a parliamentary tactic.
After Senator DeMint brought Audit the Fed to the floor, Senator Ben Nelson of Nebraska raised a "point of order" to prevent a vote, claiming that the amendment violated Senate Rule 16 by "legislating" on an appropriations bill. The Senate president agreed, and the amendment was shot down.
Senator DeMint did not back down, though, and directly challenged Senate leadership by pointing out the other GAO audits contained in the bill. As Senator DeMint listed them off, the Senate president was forced to agree with Senator DeMint that each one he described, all of which would be left in for final passage, also violated Senate Rule 16.
So the issue wasn't about "legislating" on the bill or violating the Senate Rules (which is commonly done), it was about preventing a thorough audit of the Federal Reserve for the first time in its history!
Senate leadership is hoping this issue will just fade away so they can get on to what they deem to be more important business, like dictating what kind of healthcare plan you and I can carry or passing destructive Cap-and-Trade legislation.
But the American people deserve answers on what the Fed has done with trillions of our tax dollars and what they are committing us and future generations to as part of their secret deals with foreign central banks and governments.
The leadership could have taken a crucial, historic step toward achieving such accountability today, but they turned their backs on transparency. This fight, though, is just beginning.
As Senator DeMint noted from the floor, the Audit the Fed bill has wide bipartisan support, and he rightly warned the Senate even if they delay today, they WILL have to deal with the issue on the floor.
It is up to you and me to back up Senator DeMint's words by making sure the momentum continues to build and the bill comes up for a final vote.
The rejection of the Audit amendment is just the first battle in our war. Now is the time to really put the pressure on the U.S. Senate to Audit the Fed!
Senator DeMint fired the opening salvo and showcased the hypocrisy of the Senate for allowing other GAO audits to be included in the bill while refusing to even allow a vote on Fed transparency.
Again, we're just getting started. Senator DeMint will keep fighting to pass Audit the Fed on its own or as an amendment, and we need to continue putting pressure on our senators to do everything in their power to achieve a floor vote! Visit our Audit the Fed action page to call, write, and fax your senators tonight and urge them to support S 604 and to push for a final vote.
I'm always amazed at the bills they pick and choose to read or not read. If it's NOT Constitutional, don't read it just pass it, if it IS a valid piece of legislation... "hey how did that get here?" (crumples bill and tosses it blindly over his shoulder behind him)
While this is a good development on the Senate side with Ron Paul's bill, I still have far too many suspicions with the government.
I think sometimes that people, whether good-intentioned or not, that still think that this government can be brought under control are like the Olive Branch petitioners in the American Revolution. I believe we are long past the point of no return, but am willing to at least try this. So I have written both senators that I expect their support for this.
Action is underway in Nebraska, as I write this, to let Ben Nelson know how we feel. (See Ike's info above--I especially like his moniker for the D.C. number!--must like LOTR)
Pretty gutsy play by the one good Senator from our State. Senator Demint gave a pretty good speech at the Tea Party here in Columbia on Saturday. I'm reading his new book "Saving Freedom". He's an old-fashioned conservative unlike the neo-cons we're used to seeing these days. Thank you Senator for supporting S604!
Shock! Selective enforcement of some obscure rule when it suits them and ignoring it for everything else.
Posted 07/06/09 10:15 PM BruceKoerber Cedar Rapids, IA
Apolitical Political Commentary!
Monday, July 6, 2009
U. S. Senators Are Betraying The Voters!
The U.S. Senate acts like a kangaroo court; and when its own members object to the hypocrisy and corruption there is a silence.
Although being addicted and dependent on the counterfeit ring of the unConstitutional coup is the sad condition of these vile politicians, yet they may have heard what Senator DeMint said about the aroused interest everywhere he goes - by the voters - about what the Federal Reserve is doing.
Do these politicians realize that they will not be able to sweet talk their way out of their blatant disregard for the wishes of their electorate?
The unConstitutional coup cannot make the people vote for these corrupt collaborators, especially during an unprecedented economic downturn.
Let your Senator know that a vote against auditing the Federal Reserve is a major political mistake and that it is wholly unethical.
There was no quorum, and there probably weren't many people in the room at all; however, thanks to the wonders of the internet, we'll get to spread this video all over the place.
A big attaboy to DeMint for preparing an excellent case to point out the hypocrisy by asking questions he had already researched and knew were similar Rule 16 violations.
Posted 07/06/09 10:26 PM fadestyle Walnut Bottom, PA
its obvious there is a double standard, but why? it becomes more and more obvious that there is an agenda.
Posted 07/06/09 10:26 PM Bob Therina Saint Louis, MO
I just wrote Senator DeMint to say thanks even though I live in Missouri.
http://demint.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.Home
Senator DeMint resorted to the same paper-clip trick that his colleagues had done in the past, hoping that it will be accepted into the appropriations bill without anyone noticing. Personally I feel that it was deceptive on his part, but at least in doing so he revealed the rampant hypocrisy of the Senate itself. He also revealed that ,considering the Senate normally passes items few have read before, senators are now keeping their eyes open for any mention of S 604's provisions.
It should also be noted that Senator Demint seriously violated Republican Party protocol by mentioning Ron Paul's name. He'll undoubtedly be counseled about that. Lol.
"It should also be noted that Senator Demint seriously violated Republican Party protocol by mentioning Ron Paul's name. He'll undoubtedly be counseled about that. Lol."
They're afraid it will catch the attention of Ron, that's why. Hee hee.
I'm not sure if this fits in as a "paper-clip trick," or at least the most tricky of the paper-clip tricks. He stood there and explained what he was trying to do. He didn't sneak it in as a 300-page amendment with practically zero time to read it or attach it to some totally unrelated bill. It seems like the bill already had a bunch of GAO stuff. However, I do agree that it's better to have it stand on its own and not violate Rule 16 or whatever other rules there are. Giving it a try to point out the hypocrisy is good stuff, but whether or not we'd be happy if it got in that way depends on the merits of "Rule 16." I suppose there's a whole "ends justify the means" debate to be had about how we'd like to see this pass assuming Rule 16 is good. If it's just a parliamentary rule that serves no purpose other than to allow selective enforcement and exclusion of certain issues, that's one thing, but if it's a good rule that Congress ignores just like they ignore the Constitution, that's another thing.
I don't think whether it was a paperclip maneuver matters much here. As a first attempt, clearly he knew it would be rejected. This is a bit of a warning shot. It makes for good theater and youtube clips over which we can rally support.
This fight is gonna require an incredible amount of scratching and clawing to get a populist tsunami going. Without a huge public outcry, even if it goes to the Presidents desk, it will be vetoed. Anything we can do in the meantime to show our side and people on the fence the hypocrisy of this issue is building for the real fight later on.
As you can tell from my avatar, The Fed is one of my big issues. I guess I'm feeling a little pessimistic tonight.
I've just seen a lot of legislation passed with my Congresscritters voting against the will of 94%-98% of their constituents. This is an oligarchy masquerading as democratically elected representatives in a constitutional republic. The senators have six year terms and are much worse about voting against their constituents. Diane Feinstein and Mitch McConnell crowed about their non-representing votes on TARP-1 bailout on the senate floor, as if they did us stupid taxpayers a favor by voting against us.
Even HR1206/S604 passes, it'll be vetoed. Can we get get a veto proof vote in the senate? I doubt it. I doubt we can eve get it passed in the senate, for the shenanigans we saw in the DeMint video.
Even if we beat a veto and we get our Fed Audit, the results won't be available until the end of 2010. That's an eternity at the rate this economy is coming unglued.
Even if the economy holds together, The Fed will cook the books.
I know that's a lot of negativity, but I think it's all reality. However, we must try.
Despite A LOT of pleading followed by hard ball politics, my representative won't co-sponsor HR 1207, and neither of my senators seems to have much interest in S. 604. McConnell never will, but Bunning might.
I'd be screaming at that hypocritical bitch. I guess that's the way of a true lawyer.
In any event, the opening salvo has been shot. I'm optimistic because as the economy unravels, more people are waking up to what's really happening. When they find themselves out of work, they have more free time and start to actually think about stuff. This will build and build until either the political class surrenders, or they declare outright war.
I'm not trying to incite anyone. I'm just talking common sense, here. The difference will be the type of war that is fought. If we all strike and go 'off the grid' we'll put the Fed 'out of business' so to speak.
Posted 07/07/09 09:28 AM Khatru Leeds, United Kingdom
Senator Jim DeMint has earned my whole hearted respect. The ball is very much rolling!
Posted 07/07/09 10:13 AM justinb Oklahoma City, OK
Thanks for posting this. It lit that fire under me to write both of my senators. Dig in people, we're just getting started, and we'll pull them kicking and screaming until they DO represent us.
Posted 07/07/09 11:02 AM sweetliberty San Rafael, CA
Jeez, why is he so apologetic? There's a difference between being polite, and acquiescence. Come on, Jim! You've got the trump card!
Thanks for posting, and thanks Mr. DeMint for fighting this battle...
I live in Texas now, but I was raised in South Carolina and this man makes me proud. I just emailed both of my Senators and will be pushing everyone I know to do the same. Keep up the good work guys! Thank you Senator DeMint!
Whether the audit the fed bill gets passed or not is in large part irrelevant. Ron Paul has stated this himself. Just getting the bipartisan support it has gotten is significant. It might pass the house and fail in the Senate. Once that happens, the representatives who voted against it will have to answer to the people as to why they voted against it.
What are they going to say? "Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain?" If it passes Congress and Obama vetoes it, he will have the same difficult question. Why did you veto it, Mr. President? What possible reason could you have for denying the people transparency over THEIR money? Didn't you say you would provide more transparency?
It will get more people wondering exactly what the Fed does and why what it does requires secrecy. That in and of itself is very important. Once more people find out about the Fed, the political weight of auditing it will be crushing. An audit will show it is insolvent. It will then be toppled internationally. It will have to be replaced with something, hopefully gold.
Bravo! Bravo! Thank you Sen. DeMint for this well researched, well presented illustration of the hypocrisy of the majority in the Senate. Please EVERYONE take the time to thank Sen. DeMint so the importance and support for auditing the Fed will remain fresh in his mind and he will continue to lead the fight in the Senate.
How in the world could anybody object to auditing the Federal Reserve?! Sen. DeMint did an excellent job of pointing out just how flagrantly those who wield power are willing to abuse it. Call, write, and email your senators and let them know how much you support Sen. DeMint, and demand an audit of the Federal Reserve.
I called both Senators from my state (Sen. Durbin / Sen. Burris), and neither of them seem to have a stance on it. Well, obviously since they're not one of the three current co-sponsors. I told them that I am 100% behind it. I have no clue how much this helps, as I've never called a Senator before, but I would say every little bit helps... hopefully.
The Rule 16 hypocrisy only exists because Sen. DeMint allowed the hypocrisy to exist. He could have likewise called a point of order on the other items and forced those items to be in a separate bill. He didn't.
Regarding needing veto-proof majority support of the bill, I suppose the only way that it will pass is if it is "paper-clipped" to something else. There's no line-item veto. Of course, if enough people support it, Obama might not veto it.
Posted 07/07/09 2:41 PM Bob Therina Saint Louis, MO
I don't think he had any illusion that he could paper clip it through. I think he was just bringing it out in public to raise awareness before the House Financial Services committee hearing on it Thursday July 9th.
Senator DeMint raised an interesting question in his dialogue. He asked what kind of security/guarantee/collateral is being provided for these loans from the Federal Reserve. Having read John Perkins' book "Confessions of an Economic Hitman" and seeing how governments and powerful multinational corporations wrangle with political leaders (bribing, threatening, and blackmailing) in order to coerce them to take out huge loans they cannot afford, with the sole intent of forcing the borrowing country into default so as to take control of the collateral (usually a highly coveted natural resource), I think Senator DeMint's question is of extraordinary import. I have reason to suspect that Alaska (where I've been working the last couple of years), or valuable parts of it, have been offered to China as guarantee/security for loans. There is no small number of Chinese here who are setting themselves up for what they see as the inevitable forfeiture of the Last Frontier when the US defaults. I think a full audit of the Federal Reserve is of the utmost importance before the US as a sovereign nation is rendered powerless. I have the not-so-honorable Senator from Nebraska a well-deserved chastising. I would suspect he's getting some hefty kickbacks or other immoral incentive to keep the Federal Reserve's actions secret.
Posted 07/07/09 3:14 PM ChrisDixon Lisbon Falls, ME
I got wind of this as soon as it hit the Internet last night and was very happy to read we have a fighter in the Senate. I retweeted on Twitter and reposted on MySpace, the video of the speech from Jim DeMint's YouTube channel.
I thanked Senator DeMint on MySpace and plan on doing the same in an e-mail this evening. Then my two Senators will hear from me. But knowing my Senators are Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe, I think it is a hopeless attempt. Nevertheless, I shall try.
Posted 07/07/09 5:02 PM Paul Revered New Richmond, OH
With the release of financial fascism upon the World, freedom is being crushed. How the Senators sleep at night is beyond comprehension, but it must be the silk pillows and counting sheep, jumping to pay for taxes and inflation of the unconstitutional extortion. Swaying the representatives with honey is not the solution. The honey is being confiscated daily…. the concern is their representational façade in keeping the serf’s from getting tired of hauling the honey bucket.
Why default? Just pay everyone off with worthless FRN's.
In the same manner, all California has to do is secede from the union; set up the California Central Bank; make Cal-Notes legal tender; then emit enough of them to pay all creditors. Problem solved.
Of course, you can't buy anything with them, but who cares? Certainly not the ill informed public.
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Sorry to wax Biblical there.
Posted 07/07/09 6:44 PM hyeena302 Daytona Beach, FL
Just more proof of a background agenda. Why wouldn't you want an audit of the fed? Thank God there are men like Dr. Paul and Senator DeMint who still truly represent those who elected them.
At a time when term transparency is getting a lot of use in Washington Senator DeMint managed to show how it is nothing more than meaningless buzzword to most our current legislatures.
Senator Ben Nelson's objection was not just to protect the Fed but even more to protect his fellow senators who want to avoid having to even have to vote and have a record on this issue.
We need to do whatever we can to shine a light on what really happens in Washington. Keep calling and writing our Senators. Force them to give a firm statement on where they stand. Then share it with everyone.
Posted 07/07/09 10:43 PM hondapcgirl Papillion, NE
I called Nelson today and I have called his office many times. They have always taken at least my name, usually my address, too. Not this time, just "I will let the Senator know".
Further proof he does not care what we the people want/need from him and our other reps or to hear what we really think.
A large part of the house and senate (and in particular the "populist" party in control) at this time are full of traitors and they are the fools, tools and the useful idiots of the banking cabal. They are traitors and should be tried for treason and jailed. Military intervention is potentially justifiable at this point as they have become a domestic threat to the constitution. Too bad the military has its balls cut off by there being no 5-star generals, and 3 and 4 star generals are highly political and retired within 6 years.
We have front row seats to the end of an "America with liberty" and the end of our constitution. Obama is a Judas Goat and is also a traitor, working fast and hard to ensure the banking cabal subjugates the last free people on earth.
Sennator Bennett and Hatch are the next to become co-signers for this wonderful piece of work.
It will only happen if we all get to work.
Last month at the State GOP Convention Bennett said that he would speak with Ron Paul, today I called his office and the Sec. said that he had spoken with him today. (Some progress.
Hatch said he would. Can you see his name on the list of co-sponsors? I can't.
Help us out here in Utah too.
I am going to be giving the Cali Sens a call tomorrow.
I wrote the following letter to Senator Ben Nelson of Nebraska:
Dear Senator Nelson:
With all due respect, I wish to express my disagreement and disapproval of your not permitting a vote on Senator DeMint's amendment of HR2918, which would have required the Federal Reserve to be audited. You denied this vote, raising a point of order saying it violated rule 16 of the Senate; however, there were several amendments legislative in nature that contained GAO audits. Why are you against a thorough audit of the Federal Reserve? Are you somehow receiving benefit by keeping the Federal Reserve's actions in secret?
I respectfully request that you seriously consider the fact that you and your colleagues are servants of the American public, and we have a right to know where our money has been spent. We demand that you, members of Congress, shoulder your responsibility to tell us taxpayers where our money is being spent and how.
A co-worker suggested I sent a copy to the editor of all the major newspapers newspapers in Nebraska to let Nebraskans know what one of their Senators did. I sent the letter to a few newspapers.
Perhaps some of you would like to express your views of Senator Nelson’s actions and inform the newspaper reading people of Nebraska, his constituency, of his actions.
The website, http://www.usnpl.com/nenews.php, lists newspapers in Nebraska. I’ve gone to the websites in the newspapers of cities starting with “A” through “L”, listing either the e-mail address of the editor or the web contact form of the given newspaper’s editor, for convenience, in case any of you would like to write to the newspapers’ editors expressing your view of Senator Nelson’s actions. And if anyone would like to provide the same for newspapers in cities that start with “M” through “Y”, feel free. The list (A through L) of e-mail addresses (or web page address if no editor e-mail address is available) of Nebraska newspapers I’ve prepared is here:
"Educate and inform the whole mass of the people... They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty."
—Thomas Jefferson
Campaign for Liberty is a 501(c)4 lobbying organization which neither supports nor opposes candidates for public office and claims no responsibility for the actions of individuals or groups of individuals who use the Campaign for Liberty logo or name or who may claim to act as representatives of the Campaign for Liberty without prior written consent of the Campaign for Liberty. [?]
