Pelosi and the House Rules

"Pelosi and the House Rules" would make a pretty good band name, but it makes an even better descriptor for how the Speaker of the House flexed some muscle against President Bush.

Pelosi announced today that House Democrats will come together and prevent Bush from forcing his version of the Colombia free trade agreement to a vote by altering the rules.

"The rules of the House govern the proceedings in the House of Representatives," Pelosi told reporters.

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The deal was signed before the so-called fast-track law expired. Trade deals sent to Congress under fast-track rules cannot be amended, and must be voted on within 90 legislative days.

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...followers of the deal have speculated that Pelosi might use the House Rules Committee to try to avoid a vote by arguing that the fast-track law cannot take precedence over House rules.

...and this is exactly what House Democrats will do. So take that, supporters of the Columbia free trade agreement.