When you wish upon a filibuster
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Filed under "nice dream, but ain't gonna happen": Rep. Alan Grayson (D-Fl-8) is trying to get Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to change the rules of the Senate so that invoking cloture only needs 55 votes, not 60. One of the main reasons it's not going to happen is because 67 Senate votes are needed to change Senate rules.
Historical note: Until 1975, 2/3 of the Senate or 67 votes wee required to end a filibuster. Also, a filibuster used to be much more serious, in that it literally ground the Senate to a halt, no other business could be done in the chamber while a filibuster was occurring, thus making them much less likely to happen. All that changed with dual tracking of Senate bills, meaning a filibuster could still occur, but of just that bill, while other Senate business still went on.
Historical note: Until 1975, 2/3 of the Senate or 67 votes wee required to end a filibuster. Also, a filibuster used to be much more serious, in that it literally ground the Senate to a halt, no other business could be done in the chamber while a filibuster was occurring, thus making them much less likely to happen. All that changed with dual tracking of Senate bills, meaning a filibuster could still occur, but of just that bill, while other Senate business still went on.
Posted by brandonb at 11:03 AM on November 25th 2009
3 comments submitted.
So which is better, ending the filibuster altogether, or limiting its use through the old, more draconian rule?
Posted by nax at 12:49 PM on Nov 25th
The filibuster is just a symptom, IMO, a tool used by either side. The real issue is the solid party line votes which appeal to politics, rather than what is good for the country. It's pretty crazy that no Republicans ('cept for one in the House) voted for health care reform.
Posted by brandonb at 2:49 PM on Nov 25th
I miss the filibusters. Because I'm too young to have ever followed one in action. I want the cots rolled out, dammit! And ancient leaders reading recipe books out loud for hours on end out of sheer spite!
Posted by Tehanu at 3:05 PM on Nov 25th
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