The state’s rights debate is over in the SC Senate with the resolution to remind the federal government of the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution passing by 31-11. But the bill came to a vote after time consuming opposition and delay tactics, led by Senate Democrats, lead by Orangeburg’s Brad Hutto, who introduced an amendment in order to vote against it, in order to make a point.
Hutto and others also offered amendments to reject remaining stimulus money, censure the governor and congratulate Lindsay Graham, all in an effort to stymie movement on the 10th Amendment bill. Republicans leaders assert that Democrats were trying to maneuver the Senate calendar for some upcoming bills as well.
Democrat and Senior Senator expressed his frustration with the Senate’s being stuck on this issue though it is unclear who was the target of his frustration.
“For us to spend the time that we have spent in the SouthCarolina Senate last session ,and already this session, fighting over an amendment or a resolution when we’ve got 12.1 percent unemployment in this state, 265-thousand people unemployed. We’ve got a budget deficit of $550 million when we start the budget this year and $750 million next year. We have major issues that we need to focus on as a general Assembly and deal with,” says Setzler.
Democrats are working to adjust the introduction of certain bills on the Senate schedule. Republicans do not want to give up the 10th amendment concurrent resolution that was introduced last year.
While over the reason for this stall tactic continues in the halls of the Statehouse, the day’s back and forth put to the test Senate Pro Tem Glenn McConnell’s knowledge of the constitution, parliamentary procedure, and rules of the Senate.
Democrats were in part working to adjust the introduction of certain bills on the Senate schedule. Republicans do not want to give up the 10th amendment concurrent resolution that was introduced last year. Sponsor Lee Bright of Spartanburg posted a video via Senate GOP YouTube soon after the win, explaining why this bill was important to him. View the video.
The Senate adjourned to meet again Wednesday at 11:00 a.m., the House at 10:00 a.m.
