Republicans And The Filibuster

[Straight Shooter]

And you wonder why nothing gets done in Washington?

Cloture is the procedure used to break a filibuster. Between 1919 and 1975, a successful cloture motion required two-thirds of the Senate. Today, it requires three-fifths, or, in cases where all 100 senators are present and voting, 60 votes. As you can see, the majority is having to try and break many, many, many more filibusters than ever before.

 

[StanScratch]

Remember when the Republicans were in control and tried (unsuccessfully) to get rid of the filibuster? I saw this as very short-sighted thinking. They were in charge at the time, but were frustrated that the filibuster was being used to halt their agenda. Had they gotten their way, I am sure they would be kicking themselves in the ass as of now.

 

[Supafly]

My advice to the democrats: Make them filibuster, and after they filibuster, make them do it again

And publish these habits.

 

[PlumpRump]

Remember when the Republicans were in control and tried (unsuccessfully) to get rid of the filibuster? I saw this as very short-sighted thinking. They were in charge at the time, but were frustrated that the filibuster was being used to halt their agenda. Had they gotten their way, I am sure they would be kicking themselves in the ass as of now.

Actually, the most recent effort to amend filibuster rules came from a group of Democratic senators last year in January. The idea was to change the majority for cloture to 51 down from 60, but Harry Reid, the Democratic Senate Majority Leader, mind you, shot the idea down before it even got off the ground. He did it on, what I view as, noble principles, stating something to the effect that the rules were in place as to prevent the majority party changing rules unilaterally, which I admire. Although, now I wonder, if indeed Reid is the one who is "kicking himself in the ass?"

 

[vodkazvictim]

My advice to the democrats: Make them filibuster, and after they filibuster, make them do it again

And publish these habits.

But then surely that's bad service to the country? Or am I missing something?

 

[Supafly]

But then surely that's bad service to the country? Or am I missing something?

I think this would help get that filibuster practice out of the way.

 

[PlumpRump]

I think this would help get that filibuster practice out of the way.

Doubtful. Because when the Repubs inevitably take back the Senate (be it this year or 100 years from now), the Dems will most likely just filibuster right back out of spite. Spite is one of the driving forces in today's American political arena.

 

[Trident1]

Harry Reid hasn't allowed the Senate to vote for shit since 2009.