Feinstein backs Burris as busy Congress begins

The 111th Congress opened Tuesday to a raucous start on a day typically reserved for ceremony, as Democrats dealt with an embarrassing sideshow over President-elect Barack Obama’s replacement in the Senate and pushed through rules changes to limit minority Republicans’ ability to influence legislation.

Even as Democrats celebrated expanded majorities in both houses, they were forced to block the Senate appointment of Roland W. Burris by scandal-plagued Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich, citing his failure to provide proper credentials.

Mr. Burris, a former Illinois attorney general, beat a quick retreat rather than enflame controversy, and later received an endorsement from Sen. Dianne Feinstein, California Democrat and the outgoing chairman of the rules committee that will possibly decide his fate.

Mrs. Feinstein said Mr. Blagojevich has the right to appoint Mr. Burris, even though Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White has refused to sign off on Mr. Burris.

“If you don’t seat Mr. Burris, it has ramifications for gubernatorial appointments all over America,” said Mrs. Feinstein, the incoming Senate Intelligence Committee chairman. She said Mr. Obama has apologized for failing to notify her ahead of time of his selection of Leon Panetta for CIA director.

Mr. Burris remained defiant that his appointment was constitutional and said he was prepared to keep fighting for the Senate seat - in court if necessary.

In the House, angry Republicans objected to new rules forced through by Democrats that they say undermine their rights as the minority party to challenge legislation.

“So much for the Obama vision,” said Rep. David Dreier of California, the ranking Republican on the House Rules Committee, referring to the president-elect’s promise to operate in a bipartisan manner. “This is change that denies hopes.”

House Democrats said the changes were needed to end what they said was an “abuse” of the previous rules by the minority to torpedo legislation.

The most contentious rule change places new restrictions on motions to “recommit” a bill for new amendments to the committee that approved it. In practice, that motion often meant a lengthy or even permanent delay in passing the measure. Motions to recommit would still be possible, but the new rules allow the full House to reconsider the bill almost instantaneously.

The controversies came amid the traditional pomp of the opening day of a two-year congressional session.

“This session of Congress begins at a trying moment in our history, and when it is over, I believe that it will be recognized as one of the most challenging and pivotal in memory,” said House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer, Maryland Democrat.

“But we are also full of confidence and hope for a new year - that we will work together in a bipartisan manner to meet the challenges we face.”

Congress often recesses after the opening day until the new president takes office or after the State of the Union address at the end of January. This year, however, with the economy worsening, Democrats are promising swift action on an almost $800 billion economic recovery proposal that promises to be one of the most expensive spending packages in history. The as-yet unveiled package, which is a top priority of the Obama administration, has received tentative support from Republican leaders.

Capitol Hill lawmakers say they expect to pass the plan within six weeks, though details of the stimulus were still being worked out.

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