Reid's ‘nuclear option’ changes rules, ends repeat filibusters

The Hill ^ | October 6, 2011 | Alexander Bolton

[jazusamo]

In a shock development Thursday evening, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) triggered a rarely-used procedural option informally called the “nuclear option” to change the Senate rules.

The surprise move stunned Republicans, who did not expect Reid to bring heavy artillery to what had appeared to have been a hum-drum legislative knife fight.

Reid appealed a ruling from the chair that Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) does not need consent to force a vote on a motion to suspend the rules to consider an amendment after cloture has already been approved.

The maneuver is highly arcane but momentous. If a simple majority of the Senate votes to uphold Reid’s appeal, the Senate’s rules will have been changed by the unilateral action of one party.

Republicans had considered using this maneuver, dubbed the “nuclear option” in 2005, to change Senate rules to prohibit the filibuster of judicial nominees. Democrats decried the plan and the crisis was resolved by a bipartisan agreement forged by 14 rank-and-file senators known as the Gang of 14.

[jazusamo]

Not too much of a surprise from obama's lapdog Dingy Harry.

[dynachrome]

Gee, where are McCain and Graham? Weren’t they the instigators for the “gang of 14”?

[Crawdad]

Popcorn

[DustyMoment]

IMO, the seeds of the coming revolution are starting to sprout.

It’s just a matter of time.

[JRandomFreeper]

According to my copy of the Constitution, Congress (both houses) decides their own rules.

It my be hypocritical on the part of the dems, but it's within bounds.

/johnny

[Bobalu]

Looks like we will have a filibuster proof repub senate in 2012.

Woooooo!

[freeangel]

I guess he won’t complain when conservatives take the Senate and use the same rule then?

[jazusamo]

I believe you’re correct. The Rats better understand what goes around comes around.

[jazusamo]

Please bump the Freepathon or click above and donate or become a monthly donor!

[Crawdad]

He does this just as gop was forcing embarrassing vote on jobs bill.

[resistance]

Perhaps Harry has finally completely flipped out.

[Ditto]

Reach across the isle to the Democrats under Dingy Harry, and you will find a bloody stump where your hand used to be.

[penelopesire]

Mark Levin talking about this now on his show.

[Political Junkie Too]

And yet, McConnell will still try to reach across the aisle the next time, and the time after that, and the time after that.

-PJ

[JRandomFreeper]

Never underestimate the power of Senate Republicans to look 'statesmanlike' and cave. They make idiot-proof an oxymoron. They couldn't pour sand out of a boot with instructions written on the heel.

If you add all their IQ's together, you might reach room temperature.

Robert Byrd is the current senator making the most sense, and he's been in the grave for a year.

Not that I have anything against the US Congress.

Stupid barstids.

/johnny

[Safrguns]

I don’t see what is so surprising.

Republicans are idiots.

Democrats make all these rules that only republicans have to follow.

And republicans obey.

Go figure.

[diogenes ghost]

"The Rats better understand what goes around comes around."

Really?

When has The Stupid Party EVER acted like it had a collective set of balls?

[Irenic]

I am starting to see it that way.

[rottndog]

I believe you’re correct. The Rats better understand what goes around comes around.

Mitch McConnel only need say one word in the Senate: RECIPROCITY!

[VinceASA]

Loving it!!!! Simple majority rules in the Senate now. Will be great once the GOP regains the Senate. in the meantime, it means nothing to the Dems since they do not control the House. Has to be one of the dumbest moves they ever made.