Republican Senators Sign Letter to Block Democratic Bills

The Republican leadership is reportedly vowing to block all Democratic legislation not related to tax cuts or government spending.

The Republicans will take over the lower house of Congress in January, and until they do, the GOP leadership is pledging to block almost all Democratic legislation in the Senate. How many senators have committed to the obstructionist policy by signing a letter circulated by party leaders is not clear, but it is believed the document will be made public shortly. If the reports are true, the bill to repeal the U.S. military’s "don’t ask, don’t tell" policy on gay soldiers will die on the vine, as will legislation to grant citizenship to immigrants who serve in the military. Democrats have 58 seats in the 100-seat Senate, but require 60 votes to overcome delaying tactics by the minority Republicans.