By now, you've probably heard that the Republicans have dug up Speaker Pelosi's old proposal for increased rights for the House minority party and are planning to re-introduce it. Their thinking is that this is a good political move because if Pelosi accepts it, they get more power to use to hamper the Democratic majority, and if she rejects it, they can accuse her of hypocrisy.
Well, there is a way Pelosi can turn this proposal against them and come out ahead.
Pelosi should answer the Republicans' letter with one of her own, saying something to the effect of the following:
"Thank you for your concern about the rights of the House minority party. Unfortunately, we cannot agree to the reforms you are proposing, because they would only be binding for this Congress. Future Congresses would not have to abide by any rules we pass today, and as we all know, the Republican track record on this issue is not a good one.
However, if we work together, we can craft a more lasting solution to this problem. Which is why I hope you will join me in sponsoring a Constitutional amendment enacting the following set of reforms to guarantee minority rights for this Congress and all future Congresses:
(Insert list of reforms here)
I intend to bring the amendment to the floor for a vote on such-and-such a date, and I hope you will join with me in working to see that it passes. Together, we can resolve this issue once and for all."
Offering a constitutional amendment would turn things right back around on the Republicans. They can either agree to it, or block it, putting themselves in the anti-reform position. Politically, it's a win-win for us.
(And I should also add that it would be good from a policy perspective as well - the current situation where the party that wins 51% of the seats gets nearly 100% of the power is not very small-d democratic. I think there's a true need for reform.)