The Republican Party in the Senate has abused the filibuster in a way never seen even in the civil rights era, when Southern Democrats worked to block civil rights legislation.
They have now stopped a vote on three nominees to the DC Court of Appeals, arguably the most important court outside the Supreme Court.
So the indications are that Senator Harry Reid, the Majority Leader, will invoke the threatened “nuclear option”, which would change Senate rules and allow a vote on a nominee as long as 51 Senators, a majority, rather than the present 60, support such a vote.
Moving in this direction could hurt the Democrats someday when the Republicans control the chamber, but the total paralysis on appointments, not only to the courts, but to executive appointments as well, leaves Reid and the Democrats no alternative.
It is a regrettable action, but something that needs to be done!
It’s done. Excellent. With this precedent, one can go one step further so that SC nominations can be passed by a single majority. Say Hello to your future Supreme Court Justice, Rafael Ted Cruz!
LOL! Ted Cruz as Supreme Court Justice! Thanks for the humor of the day Mark!
Good one Leia!
GOTea’s chances of becoming the majority = very, very slim
OMG it’s SOOOOOO fun watching all the TPARTY Tazmanian devils trying to outdo each other while jockeying for position on a dead carcass in their tantrums, snarling indignation and threats!
I bet our old friend Guano…who we won’t be seeing any time soon…..is absolutely in a seething, snarling, maniacal rage right now!
“LOL! Ted Cruz as Supreme Court Justice! Thanks for the humor of the day Mark!”
It was impossible before today’s vote. But now all that’s needed is a Republican President and 51 Republican senators. You’re sure that won’t occur in your lifetime?
@Mark
It’s like Rustbelt said. The prospect of Republicans getting a majority is looking more difficult each day. An ultra-conservative, far-right Congress with an ultra-conservative, far right White House is a configuration unlikely to find its way to fruition in today’s America.
Totally agree Maggie!
Exactly Leia. If they keep having all these crazies like Sharon Angle or Todd Aiken, then the GOP as we knew it will keep going the way of the dinosaur.
Excellent blog post for Mark to read:
http://pleasecutthecrap.com/once-again-you-should-be-thanking-harry-reid/