Reid promises action on filibuster this week

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., speaks with reporters following a Democratic strategy session at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013. / AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said today he's had "some positive meetings" with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., about reforming the filibuster. However, if Democrats and Republicans can't come to an agreement over the issue within the next day or two, Reid said Democrats would move forward on their own.

"I hope within the next 24 to 36 hours, we can get something we agree on," Reid told reporters today. "If not, we're going to move forward on what I think needs to be done. The [Senate Democratic] caucus will support me on that."

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Reid promises action on filibuster this week

Reid has a unique opportunity right now to change the filibuster rules, since legal scholars on both sides of the aisle have agreed that the Senate can change its rules with a simple, 51-vote majority at the start of a new Congress. The first day of the 113th congressional session started on Jan. 3, but Reid technically kept the "first day" going by never adjourning (while the Senate never adjourned after the first day, they have "recessed.")

Currently, any individual member of the Senate can "filibuster" a bill -- and thereby block debate on it -- by simply putting a hold on the bill and then proceeding on to other business. Since 1975, Senate rules have said it takes 60 lawmakers to overrule a filibuster.

• The filibuster fight: Same story, roles reversed

Some Democrats want to change the rules so that if a member wants to block debate on a bill, he must keep talking on the Senate floor (in the way filibustering was famously portrayed in the 1939 film, "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington"). Some senators have floated more moderate proposals, including one that would require at least 41 votes to keep a filibuster alive.

Earlier today on the Senate floor, Reid said the Senate would first consider legislation for Superstorm Sandy relief and then consider changes to the Senate rules.

"We will explicitly not acquiesce in the carrying over of all the rules from the last Congress," he said. "I am hopeful the Republican leader and I will reach an agreement that allows the Senate to operate more effectively."

[batazoidz]

I hope McConnell doesn't fall for the proposal whereby the minority would have to supply the 41 votes required to keep a filibuster going, when, 30 would be 75% of their members. Asking for 41 votes would be like requiring 95% of your own members needed to sustain a filibuster, when Robert's Rules only require 75%.

ex animo

davidfarrar

[Gecko5]

In reality it would appear that the filibuster shoould be done away with. Neither party is guarenteed a majority and thus both suffer under it's oppression. It would seem logical that when a bill makes it to the Senate floor that it should be debated and voted on without a minority member stifling discussion.

[SlimeBagObama]

Reid really looks bad. It looks as though he's been embalmed ahead of time. I don't know who looks worst, Reid, Pelosi, or Clinton.

[democracy8]

My goodness, what an astute and piercing intellect you possess!

[GOP-R--Con-Men]

Republicans cannot be allowed to nullify elections to advance the people's will by obstructing legislation with bogus non speaking filibusters. Mandating speaking filibusters is the minimum required to allow debate and pass legislation stalled by subversive republicans.

Give em' hell Harry!

[sjc_1]

55/45 makes sense, you need more than 51/49 for major decisions, but 60/40 has caused legislation to stall.

[CarsonCitySteve]

Why not get rid of it altogether? Why do we need "rules" or "laws" anymore? Hell, let's just make up new rules everyday. Keep the people guessing. It's time to move "forward!" We are a new generation! Yesterday's a memory. Come on people, wake the F up!

[tsigili]

That is going to be a dangerous ploy to play. You are endorsing the attempt to establish a true dictatorship, if you make that move, and you risk public wrath for your actions.

[democracy8]

This has NOTHING to do with "dictatorship". Throwing that word around, willy-nilly, every time you open your mouth simply makes you look foolish. All Reid wants to do is go back to the OLD rules, which (IMO) should never have been changed to begin with.

[davidd5063]

Republicans "agree" on ANYTHING - LOL!!!!