U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) presented an outline today Jan. 22, 2013, that will change how and when a filibuster can be used, because Republicans have abused its use over the last few years.
At the Democratic caucus luncheon today, Reid presented an outline that would eliminate filibusters on motions to proceed and require the minority to pull together 41 votes in order to block other agenda items, as opposed to the majority pulling together 60 votes. Reid said he is prepared to move forward with a simple-majority vote if there’s no agreement with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, (R-KY), on a separate compromise proposal.
“If not, we’re going to move forward on what I think needs to be done. The caucus will support me on that,” he said. When asked if that meant he would take action with 51 votes, Senator Reid said, “yes.”
Senate Democrats have insisted they can change the rules at the beginning of a new Congress with a simple majority of 51 votes, while Republicans have said the rules allow the minority to erect a 67-vote threshold for such alterations.
Senator Reid said he expects to see a vote on the rules change in the next 24 to 36 hours.
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