Filibuster Reform Champions Say Democrats Have 51 Votes To Change Rules

[cal04]

Last edited Fri Dec 28, 2012, 11:25 PM - Edit history (1)

Source: TPM

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has 51 Democratic votes to reform the filibuster, the two leading champions of weakening the minority's power to obstruct business said Friday.

An aide to Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) told TPM he believes Reid -- who has vowed to move forward using the constitutional option next month if Republicans don't sign on -- has secured the necessary votes.

Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM) concurred, according to The Hill, saying: The crucial thing for all of you to know is Harry Reid’s got 51 votes to do the Constitutional option at the beginning of the Congress. My sense is if he can’t get agreement on the other side, then he’s going to go forward.

The two senators are pushing a talking filibuster which would change the rules to require filibustering senators to occupy the floor and speak if they want to halt Senate business.

Read more: http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/filibuster-reform-champions-say-democrats-have-51-votes

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Cantwell after the meeting in filibuster reform: There's 51 votes to do something, that's for sure.

https://twitter.com/ryangrim/status/284741805734506497
Ryan Grim

Leading proponent of filibuster reform claims he has 51 votes
http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/274791-leading-proponent-of-filibuster-reform-claims-51-votes-for-nuclear-option

Breaking the Filibuster
http://data.huffingtonpost.com/interactives/2012/12/18/filibuster-reform?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000008
The Huffington Post is tracking where Democratic senators stand on filibuster reform — specifically, the "talking filibuster," which would require senators to participate in debate in order to block legislation. If every Republican senator votes against the legislation, 51 Democratic senators — or 50 plus Vice President Joe Biden breaking the tie — will be needed to pass the bill.

4 No / Leaning No
http://data.huffingtonpost.com/interactives/2012/12/18/filibuster-reform?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000008









51 Yes / Leaning Yes

[patrice]

1. Adding this to my phone call notes for "our" "representation" nt

[putitinD]

2. change them NOW

[DRoseDARs]

6. *cough* The Republicans can easily filibuster any such attempt, which is kinda the point. Gonna have

...to wait until the new session congress is seated.

[RDANGELO]

3. ALL RIGHT!! SLAM THAT HAMMER DOWN!! n/t

[jonthebru]

4. Hey, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV);

Do your job and save this country from the corporatist morans!

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

5. Can the Senate bring it to a vote without 61 votes?

Won't the Republicans just filibuster the bill? Or throw a secret hold on it?

[DRoseDARs]

7. Yeah, they can easily filibuster. The start of a new session is the best time to do it. nt

[PoliticAverse]

8. In the first session of each new senate you have an opportunity to change the rules with 50+ votes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_option#Changes_to_Senate_rules

[immoderate]

11. I hope everybody sees ^^THIS^^

That's why they're all citing the 51 votes they need to set new rules. But will they do it ??

--imm

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

14. Thanks, I didn't know that!

And I thought democracy was simple!

[lobodons]

9. "if he can’t get agreement on the other side"

Agreement from the GOP? Um, didn't Reid already try this in 2010? How did that work for him?

[SoCalMusicLover]

10. Ask Nicely

I'm sure the other side will readily agree. What's the problem?

And Harry, I got this bridge to sell you in Nevada. Right near Hoover Dam. Interested?

[SwankyXomb]

15. He and McConnell

had a handshake deal to avoid abusing the filibuster, which lasted as long as it took Mitch to wipe his hands off.

[broadcaster75201]

12. Waiting on Reid to fold and "compromise"

This is 4 years of that crap talking. I hope they will surprise me.

[RetroGamer1971]

13. GOOD!

I think this is a good idea. If anyone in the future wants to filibuster, do it in the light, where we can all see you.

[xxxsdesdexxx]

16. YES! k&r

[malz]

17. Good

Now RAM IT THROUGH!

[davidpdx]

18. Crossing my fingures

I posted the graphic on Facebook with the senators names and states. Please everyone do the same. People who have lots of friends on Facebook are bound to have at least one in the four states.

I think the four who are wavering on yes are Leahy, Reed, Feinstein and Boxer.