Harry Reid Will Reform Filibuster if Dems Win

Tactic gets in way of passing laws, he says

Senator Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) is pushing filibuster reform in the Senate after the November elections. Reid claims the tactic prevents laws from passing. GOP members say he's grabbing power and undermining deliberations.

The filibuster is a procedural tactic used to debate, stall, and block bills unsavory to the minority party. Filibusters need 60 out of 100 Senate votes to overrule, instead of a simple majority. The filibuster's use has been on an upward trend since the late 1970s, and it's spiked since Bush's last year as president in 2008.

Reid pushed for filibuster reform in 2010, but later dropped it. But he's picked it up again, saying it's essential because "[Republicans are] filibustering until we have to change the rules." He added, "I don't want to get rid of the filibuster, but I have to tell you, I want to change the rules and make the filibuster meaningful."

Republicans are skeptical of Reid's promised move, telling the Washington Post they wonder "if those who want to limit the rights if the minority are willing to live by the same rules they're calling for now."

Via the Washington Post

Should the filibuster be changed?

[ACTSmom]

It was ok when the Democrats were doing it during the Bush years...now it's not ok when the republicans do it. Nobody's going to be happy no matter what happens as long as we have only 2 parties and the leaders are at opposite ends of the spectrum.

[DrMoonshine]

Thank god they did. Imagine what position we'd be in now.

[autiger]

As a Conservative.. I don't believe rewriting the rules. 1st it's a "bluff".. If the Republicans do like they did in the "midterm" elections. Democrats will not follow Reid.. Getting re-elected is most important. It is kinda of refreshing, seeing ole Harry actually wants to do something.. He sure didnt pass a budget in the last 3 years.

[DerivePI]

Then he'll pass a budget. "I would have gotten away with it if it weren't for those pesky republicans"

[FRitzKlenner5]

"Checks and Balances", folks..."CHECKS and BALANCES". When they start trying to dismantle these, it's best to take a closer look at their agenda...

[FRitzKlenner5]

...and while I'm certainly in favor of getting rid of all of the real BS involved when it comes to passing legitimate LEGISLATION, let's reform the system involving the selection AND election of our REPRESENTATION first...which is to say we should make sure that THE PEOPLE are actually the ones putting them there.

[DaveinMass]

Reform the filibuster by actually making senators stand in the well of the senate and actually filibuster. Right now it has been reduced to a procedural vote.

[Keyjo]

What I think really needs reform in the House and Senate, is the attachment of pork to every bill. Laws should be passed on their own merit without any backscratchers attached. There should be a law that each and every bill and law stands alone, is debated alone, is voted alone based on its sole value and need.

[marine1]

I tried to filibuster once with my wife, can anyone guess how that turned out? Perhaps I should send her to congress..

[Real4WheelDrv]

You win the topic!:)

[Wilberhum]

Regardless of who is using it or who has used it, it is destructive to progress and needs stopped.

[MrGrey]

Yes!!!

[dewbert]

Harry Reid prevents laws from passing. He uses his power to not allow bills to come up for vote, if he doesn't like the bill & he thinks it'll pass. He blocks bills from passing more than filibustering does. In fact, doing so, makes him as powerful as the President, who has the power of veto.