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Harry Reid May Rewrite Filibuster Rules

Democrats complain current system is being abused

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 23, 2010 2:52 PM CST

(Newser) – Harry Reid is pushing forward with a plan to reform the filibuster procedure in the Senate—and at least make it harder for Republicans to gum up the works with the mere threat of one, reports the Washington Post. Nothing's guaranteed, of course, but all returning Democratic senators are on board with rewriting the rules, notes the National Journal.

Ideas being kicked around include changing the number of votes necessary to start or end debate, to making senators stay on the floor and actually filibuster. “There need to be changes to the rules to allow filibusters to be conducted by people who actually want to block legislation instead of people being able to quietly say, ‘I object’ and go home,” says Democrat Claire McCaskill.

Senate Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., talks with the Associated Press in his office on Capitol Hill in Washington Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010.
Senate Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., talks with the Associated Press in his office on Capitol Hill in Washington Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 60 comments
Riffran
Dec 25, 2010 3:40 AM CST
Seems like ole Harry does not enjoy being on the receiving end of that tactic .....but I just can't seem to recall this being an issue when they used it quicker than a back alley thug with a switchblade in the past...then it was OK
Just_Dave
Dec 24, 2010 6:22 AM CST
Poor Harry. Getting trounced with that 59 to 41 majority. How will he go on...
Swen.Ardere
Dec 24, 2010 4:20 AM CST
Republicans are proof that God shits.
 

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