I have never in my lifetime tried so hard to learn and understand the legislative process here in Texas, as I have for this session. True I've learned a BUNCH. And the more I learn the more I come to understand how much I don't know, or how naive I really am. Disappointment is a gross understatement.
I don't understand why there's only 140 days to get all business done that effects the next 2 years, in only 140 days.
I don't understand why there can be no floor debate on ANY bill introduced until the 92nd day after Congress convenes. By the time they get to floor debate 66%(actually 65.71%), time of the entire 84th Legislature has expired.
I don't understand why the first 3 or 4 weeks of floor action by either House or Senate was devoted exclusively(almost) to congratulatory, or recognition speeches and resolutions. To me, it seems like an unneeded squandering of precious little time.
FYI, there have been:
7,241 House bills filed for the 84th Legislature,
2,988 Senate bills filed for the 84th Legislature.
As of today, May 14, 2015 our Governor has signed 28 items into law. 16 of which were congratulatory or in recognition resolutions. (
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/Reports/ ... ignedbygov" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; )
I don't understand why the House Calendars Committee, and the Local Consent & Calendars Committee wield so much perceived control. In looking at their meetings, they meet
literally only minutes at a time. Eg: on 05/08/15 they met for
exactly 6 minutes to generate 3 calendars(May 11, May 12 & May 13) for a combined 55 bills. 55 bills placed on 3 calendars taking only 6 minutes start to finish. It don't make sense....I don't understand. UNLESS, all those bills were predetermined on which one's they are and when they'd be scheduled. Sure. I can make assumptions of who makes those pre-determinations, but I won't. Leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
Charles' words of yesterday(or the day before) is haunting me. Something to the effect: "never in my 35 years of following the Legislature have I noticed that this is the LEAST productive Legislature of them all. (forgive me Charles if I butchered your quote.)
Haunting are those words. I wonder why? I don't understand. The Republicans hold majority over BOTH houses of Congress. Yet we see stonewalling, delay, procrastination....with a super majority. One would think that this session would be the
MOST productive Legislature in many years. But that's not the case.
We are approaching the rubicon.....if we've not already crossed it.
I wonder why? I don't understand.
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we now return you to normal programming
Nothing more, IMO, expands the CHL's ability to defend themselves in more places we are currently prohibited from carrying, should the need arise, than these 2 bills.