[crude77]

The Constitution says that the Senate can set it's own rules, and one of those rules states that it takes 60 votes to shut off a debate. And that applies to all debates, not just judicial nominations.

As I understand it each incoming senate sets its own rules. All that is needed is a new rule that says a simple majority is all thats needed to shut off debate. I may be mistaken, but if not I say they should do it.

[SAJ]

Actually, rule XXII has historically been used almost exclusively to permit continued debate (read: prevent a vote) on **legislative**, not administrative, matters.

In any case, the Senate surely can, if it wishes, specify in detail and in WHICH matters rule XXII may be applied by the membership. Nothing dodgy at all about doing so.