GOP warns of shutdown over filibuster

[Tx4obama]

GOP warns of shutdown over filibuster

A partisan war is brewing that could bring the government to a screeching halt as early as January — and no, it’s not over the fiscal cliff.

It’s all about the filibuster.

Democrats are threatening to change filibuster rules, in what will surely prompt a furious GOP revolt that could make those rare moments of bipartisan consensus even harder to come by during the next Congress.

Here’s what Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is considering: banning filibusters used to prevent debate from even starting and House-Senate conference committees from ever meeting. He also may make filibusters become actual filibusters — to force senators to carry out the nonstop, talkathon sessions.

Republicans are threatening even greater retaliation if Reid uses a move rarely used by Senate majorities: changing the chamber’s precedent by 51 votes, rather than the usual 67 votes it takes to overhaul the rules.

-snip-

Full three page article here: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1112/84195.html?hp=f2

A Good Read

[upaloopa]

1. Hey repubs, we won now sit down and STFU!

[Angry Dragon]

2. I am glad to see the republicans have changed

[malthaussen]

3. They're going to filibuster the filibuster! n/t

[Myrina]

4. So, what happens in the future, when the shoe is on the other foot ...

... and WE want to filibuster but have changed the rules, essentially screwing ourselves in advance?

[bemildred]

5. You can't threaten people with stuff they are not afraid of. nt