Although I prefer the nuclear option, this is still welcome news.
Speaking at a Progressive Media Summit held by the Senate Democratic caucus today, Harry Reid said that the Senate is "likely going to have to make changes to the filibuster" in the next Congress. Analogizing the filibuster to the spit ball and the four-corner offense in basketball–which were both outlawed by their sports, Reid said it was a tactic that has been now so abused that it’ll have to be changed. But next year, when it can be done through the organizing process of the new Senate when new rules can be drafted. Changing the rules now would require a two-thirds majority vote.
Senators Stabenow and Schumer both reinforced the message, with Schumer telling HuffPo after his presentation that he was going to start having hearings in his Rules Committee to investigate how it can be done in two or three weeks.
In other Senate organizing news, Sherrod Brown said that chairmanships will be up for review at the beginning of the next Congress, and while it wouldn’t name names, said that that reorganizing "would send a message." [emphasis added]
Inserted from <Daily Kos>
What Reid said is incorrect. Democrats could end the filibuster now using the nuclear option, a process which I explained here. I suppose that’s just too radical for the Nevada Leg Hound. 🙁
Mark your calendar to visit your Senators during the year end recess and insist that this reorganization be done, that all DINOs be stripped of key Committee offices, and that Traitor Joe LIEberman be kicked out of the Caucus.
4 Responses to “Reid to Change Filibuster Rules”
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I highly doubt that Reid will be in the next Senate to change the rules. Let some progressive get in there and change them. This is just occurring to him NOW? What a fucking jackass!
Too true, Lisa. But if Reid will announce it now, he must be under pressure from the Caucus to do so.
I doubt this will ever happen… while I agree with some of the principles behind the filibuster, I also understand the need for change, but Democrats will never do so…
I believe Republicans would make such changes if they were in office, but Democrats seem to lack that willingness to push forward with something in the face of strong opposition…
Kevin, I agree with some of the principles too. But those who implemented those fine principals never envisioned anything like the abuse by the GOP.
Surely they would. I am hoping that the Dems have reached their frustration limit and will too.