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Comment by nikanj | Hacker News Reader

I'm out of the loop here, what are you referring to?

I'm guessing that they're referring to Mitch McConnell

What is he doing? Mostly looking for a few good keywords to google the issue.

As far as I know, he's described himself as the "Grim Reaper" for progressive policies [0]. Now, I'm no expert but as the majority leader, he

> schedules the daily legislative program and fashions the unanimous consent agreements that govern the time for debate [1]

and

> has the right to be called upon first if several senators are seeking recognition by the presiding officer, which enables him to offer motions or amendments before any other senator [1]

- [0]: https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/440041-mcconnell-pledges...

- [1]: https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/briefing...

He's the Senate majority leader. The above comment is not correct, one senator is not holding the nation hostage. The majority of the Senate is. The Senate majority leader just happens to be one of the more senior members of the majority party in the senate. Mitch McConnell, as far as legislating goes, is no different from any other Senator.

Well, one senator can hold up the nation easily enough with the filibuster or denying unanimous consent. Senators are very powerful and the Senate is explicitly designed to stop anything from happening. Most other countries have less powerful upper houses.

Yes, the compromise was to say all states are equal which is a ridiculous idea. I just don’t see a better way though. How does the European Union handle things? Does Latvia have the same vote as Germany? Or does nationality not matter because things are run by technocrats? I’d imagine at some point the elected representatives hold the decision makers accountable?

He's an obstructionist. The plan is to block everything, no compromise. He's even taken contradicting stances when the other side raises an issue he previously supported.

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