[MarkT]

But can a the Senate confect a rule (by majority) which requires a 60% vote for a constitutionally-mandated advise and consent function, which function, pursuant to the Constitution, only requires a simple majority? I think not since I believe that Senate rules cannot trump the Constitution.

[Keith in Iowa]

>>But can a the Senate confect a rule...

They can. The constitution says each house makes it's own rules. The constitution does say there are super majority requirements for certain things. The consitutution does not say that one house can not create a rule for a super majority for something not specified n the constitution.

Historically, the courts have not, up to now, messed in congressional rules squabbles. If a case can be made, and the courts act in this instance, more power to them - I don't think it's going to happen. The place do do it is in the Senate - and they have to change their rules.