Posted on 07/16/2013 8:19:25 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
The Senate appeared closer than ever to undertaking the so-called "nuclear option" on Tuesday — but early this morning, Senators were on the verge of a breakthrough deal to avoid the significant rules changes. After an unusual 3.5-hour, closed-door meeting on Monday night, the Senate did not have a deal to avert the "nuclear option" that would lead changes in voting on President Barack Obama's executive nominees.
What will change if the "nuclear option" is invoked later this morning?
Practically, not much. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is carrying out the fight strictly on behalf of seven of Obama's executive nominees whose confirmations he says have been unfairly delayed by the Senate GOP.
The change would reduce the threshold for confirming agency and Cabinet nominees to 51 votes, rather than the 60-vote threshold now in place. It would have no bearing on rules for passing actual legislation — or even in confirming judicial appointments.
Early Tuesday morning, Reid signaled that there might have been an early-morning breakthrough that would avert the measures. He heaped praise on Republican Sen. John McCain, who he said was able to "break through" when no other Republicans were willing.
(Excerpt) Read more at businessinsider.com ...
So it would leave the 60 vote threshold for Supreme Court appointments stand?
Just how did I know McCain would be the traitor selling us down the river again. Wake up Arizona.
Let me guess. The Republicans have decided to win the war by “honorable” surrender. Wave them through with no protest.
Senate begins cloture vote on Cordray nomination for CFPB. Expected to get 60 votes, reflecting backing off of nuclear option.— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) July 16, 2013
Apparently so.
But this article is sloppy. There is not a 60 vote threshold to confirm appointees at present. The 60 vote margin is to end debate on the issues.
Clarence Thomas was confirmed to the Supreme Court by 52-48. Alito was confirmed 58-42. These nominees have always only needed a simple majority. The 60 vote threshold is to defeat a filibuster, which this article doesn’t really make clear.
Major breakthrough is one way of looking at it,I call it capitulation to evil.McCain again,as expected.
Aren’t these the appointments the SCOTUS ruled illegal. Why is Reid trying to confirm people the court said aren’t eligible?
What is the difference between rolling over and giving them what they want and letting them go “nuclear”? At least if they go nuclear you can say you went down fighting.
They’ve avoided pulling their heads out of the sand, much less going nuclear, for 6 years now.
RE: So it would leave the 60 vote threshold for Supreme Court appointments stand?
Yes. Same as it always has been.
We have been sold down the river one more time.
Strength through weakness. Winning by losing.
We never hear about DINO's.
RE: Clarence Thomas was confirmed to the Supreme Court by 52-48. Alito was confirmed 58-42. These nominees have always only needed a simple majority.
I think the 60 vote threshold does not apply to judges and justices, only appointments to cabinet members.
McCain is a fool. He always makes a “deal” to give the Democrats what they want and then is surprised when they break the deal. McCain always plays Charlie Brown while Lucy Reid snatches the ball away at the last minute. The old fool falls for it every time.
They weren’t eligible for recess appointments. Nothing wrong with the proper vote before the Senate.
Knowing McCain the compromise would leave the 60 vote threshold for all republican appointees but would lower the threshold to 51 for democrat appointees.
The GOP May Have Just May Have Bent Over Far Enough To Avoid Going 'Nuclear'
Thanks. I feel better now.
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