What's happening with Senate filibuster rules?

[Demoiselle]

I'm sorry if this is repetitive...couldn't find anything here and no luck with google either...

[librechik]

1. the PuKKKes are trying everything to convince everyone the Seante doesn't have the right

to change its own rules, that it's an outrage and unconstitutional. They are wrong, but when has that ever stopped them?

Nothing is happening until the first day of the Senate, which I guess is still a few days away.

[Tx4obama]

3. The first day of the new congress is TODAY and also Jan. 24th

they will not 'adjourn' today - they will recess - and they will return January 24th and the 24th will still be technically considered the first day.

[librechik]

5. they are meeting today --heard they weren't

[Tx4obama]

7. Yes, They started at noon. They were talking on the floor about the rules reform earlier. n/t

[Capitalocracy]

11. Funny, isn't this exactly what they were going to do

unless they got their judges confirmed a few years ago?

[Tx4obama]

2. Lots of stuff.

The senate dems starting talking on the floor today about the filibuster reform.
But there won't be a vote until January 24th (which will be technically still the 'first day' of the new Congress)

Here's more info:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=439&topic_id=115939&mesg_id=115990

and

The Rachel Maddow Show 01/03/11 - GOP abuse of filibuster prompts reform - Senator Merkley
In the interview Senator Merkley also explains why/how The 112th Congress starts January 5th and that January 24th will still be considered 'the first day' of the session.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x540184

and

Senate Rules Reform Fight Likely To Be Drawn Out For Weeks
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/03/senate-rules-reform-likely-delayed_n_803914.html

[Tx4obama]

4. And here is a DU thread link with a live blog of what is happening now

***** Official LiveBlog = Senate Filibuster Rule Debate *****
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=439&topic_id=120943&mesg_id=120943

[boston bean]

6. I think it's a bad idea. Maybe if they did it last time, ok.

With SS and deficit BS coming down the pike, I'd prefer they do nothing.

Also, there might be a Dem with a conscience who might use the procedure as it is now to prevent damage to SS.

[Tx4obama]

8. That doesn't make sense to me.

They are not changing the 60 vote number that is needed for cloture.
They are changing 'what' can be clotured, the debate time, getting rid of the secret holds, and making the filibustering senator 'talk' instead of filing a form and then go home.

[boston bean]

10. so they are making it harder to filibuster what doesn't make sense to you? nt

[Tx4obama]

14. What makes sense to me is ....

That the rules need to changed so that bills can be brought to the floor for a vote.
And that judicial and administration nominees need to be voted on without secret holds put on them.

And why should WE have to have rules in place that do not work for us?

IF the republicans were to take the Senate in 2012, then THEY could change the rules on the first day of the 113th congressional session. So, I see no reason why not to change them now, now when they would benefit us.

[boston bean]

15. Why didn't they do this before? How can you be so sure they will benefit us.

You might be right, and I'm not looking to argue, but I have a different take on it.

As I explained above.

[Tx4obama]

16. They didn't do it the first day in 2009, because

back then there weren't as many filibusters and secret holds etc as there have been in the past year.

[Tx4obama]

17. Some info

Text:

Udall-Harkin-Merkley Rules Reform Package

Blocking a vote with a filibuster used to be rare and reserved for extreme situations. Today, major bills, non-controversial bills, sometimes multiple steps on the same piece of legislation, and even non-controversial nominees face filibusters. There have been more filibusters since 2006 than the total between 1920 and 1980.

Senate rules are supposed to allow for substantive debate and to protect the views of the minority – as our founders intended. Instead, they are abused to prevent the Senate from ever voting on, and sometimes even debating, critical legislation.

Our reform resolution helps increase transparency, restores accountability, and fosters debate.

• Clear Path to Debate: Eliminate the Filibuster on Motions to Proceed

Makes motions to proceed not subject to a filibuster, but provides for two hours of debate. This proposal has had bipartisan support for decades and is often mentioned as a way to end the abuse of holds.

• Eliminates Secret Holds

Prohibits one Senator from objecting on behalf of another, unless he or she discloses the name of the senator with the objection. This is a simple solution to address a longstanding problem.

• Right to Amend: Guarantees Consideration of Amendments for both Majority and Minority

Protects the rights of the minority to offer amendments following cloture filing, provided the amendments are germane and have been filed in a timely manner.

This provision addresses comments of Republicans at last year’s Rules Committee hearings. Each time Democrats raised concerns about filibusters on motions to proceed, Republicans responded that it was their only recourse because the Majority Leader fills the amendment tree and prevents them from offering amendments. Our resolution provides a simple solution – it guarantees the minority the right to offer germane amendments.

• Talking Filibuster: Ensures Real Debate

Following a failed cloture vote, Senators opposed to proceeding to final passage will be required to continue debate as long as the subject of the cloture vote or an amendment, motion, point of order, or other related matter is the pending business.

• Expedite Nominations: Reduce Post-Cloture Time

Provides for two hours of post-cloture debate time for nominees.

Post cloture time is meant for debating and voting on amendments – something that is not possible on nominations. Instead, the minority now requires the Senate use this time simply to prevent it from moving on to other business.

[ClassWarrior]

18. Yes, so that only filibusters that are WORTH THE WORK are brought. Not frivolous ones.

:eyes:

NGU.

[Capitalocracy]

13. I'd love it if they made them actually talk.

How many Republicans are actually willing to work for it?

[AndyTiedye]

9. That's Why Scalia is Hanging Out With the Repig Leadership So Much

The Supreme Court is signaling, very loudly, that we don't get to do that.
The Nuclear Option was available to the Republicans, but it is not available to us.

[MedicalAdmin]

19. We need some (new) blood on the SCOTUS.

Perhaps some enterprising young patriot would be so kind as to help with the Scalia problem. ... by talking to him, of course. I'm sure he's a reasonable man.

[AndyTiedye]

20. Talk Him Into Going Hunting With Dick Cheney Again

and make sure they bring plenty of :beer:

[L. Coyote]

12. Right NOW: ***** Official LiveBlog = Senate Filibuster Rule Debate *****

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x120943