On the Senate floor Thursday, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid proclaimed the need for change in Congressional actions. “The American people believe Congress is broken. The American people believe the Senate is broken. And I believe they are right,” Reid said. “The need for change is so very, very obvious.”
The comment comes in response to President Obama’s executive and judicial branch nominees, which have been blocked by Republicans. Reid proposed changes to the filibuster rules that include the need for only 51 votes to end filibusters on nominations. Originally, 60 votes are required, and that standard would still remain in effect for Supreme Court nominations. Obama has also voiced his support for the changes.
The Democratic majority in the Senate may face opposition in the 2014 elections, and Republicans are now warning that the move will work against the Democrats. “You will no doubt come to regret this, and you may regret it a lot sooner than you think,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said.
The rule change is also referred to as the “nuclear option” for its ability to drastically alter Senate operations and bipartisan relationships. However, groups like Alliance for Justice are thrilled with the move. “This was not a decision made easily or taken lightly. There was no choice. The Republican minority had turned the existing rules into weapons of mass obstruction,” said Alliance for Justice President Nan Aron.
