Harry Reid Threatens GOP with Nuclear Option On Senate Filibuster Rules
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada)
I think this is a bluff by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
The Nevada Democrat said he would give Republicans another 24 to 36 hours to agree to filibuster reform and then trigger the so-called nuclear option. This controversial tactic would allow him to change the Senate rules with a simple majority vote.
“I hope within the next 24 to 36 hours we can get something we agree on. If not, we’re going to move forward on what I think needs to be done. The caucus will support me on that,” Reid told reporters.
Although its use has been threatened in the past to spur the minority party to agree to reforms, the nuclear option has never been used to change the standing rules, say parliamentary experts.
But, if Dingy Harry really wants to change the United States Senate to be like the House, then so be it. The GOP will benefit as NOTHING in the Senate will be voted on by the GOP controlled House for at least the next two years.
The Democrats’ and the Obama agenda will be dead as the President drifts onward to total lame duck status.
Moreover, the GOP Senators will drag their feet even more (Senate business will grind to a halt), as they attempt to get even with the majority.
A deal will be struck.