Republicans invoke cloture, passing bills in both Alabama chambers

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — Both chambers invoked clotures yesterday. It’s a way for lawmakers to limit how long a debate can go, and it requires a vote of 3/5. Some Democrats say regardless of how those rules are used, they’re going to make their voices heard.

Senate Democrats didn’t have an opportunity to speak after Republicans invoked a cloture, and used up all the debate time on their own bills. One of those would require schools to play the Star Spangled Banner once a week.

But, Sen. Bobby Singleton (D-Greensboro) said there are more important issues to address. “Put jobs in our communities, like the black belt,” said Sen. Singleton. “Building better schools in our community… but we’re talking about putting the National Anthem… something that nobody paid attention to. We all know we are Americans.”

Sen. Robert Stewart (D-Selma) said he will always advocate for his community, inside and outside the chamber. “That cloture process, while it limited debate, it will not silence our voices,” said Stewart. “It will not silence the constituents in which we represent.”

In the lower House, lawmakers invoked cloture on a bill renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the ‘Gulf of America.'” Parties went back and forth for hours about tourism on the coast. Rep. Susan DuBose (R-Hoover) said debate was great on the floor. “There were a lot of controversial bills. But, the good news was, there was a lot of respectful debate,” she said. “And I love that. You know everybody needs an opportunity for their voice to be heard.”

Voices were also heard on a bill that would require the Ten Commandments to be posted in schools. DuBose said the rest of the session would be business as usual.

“I don’t see any problem going forward. You know, I think it’s going to be well planned and strategic the way the bills are placed on the calendar. And, I anticipate our legislation moving through as it should.”

There are seven days left in the legislative session for lawmakers to pass bills. Before gaveling out, they must pass the education and general fund budgets.