Posted on 04/06/2017 9:16:33 AM PDT by servo1969
Senate Republicans deployed the so-called “nuclear option” Thursday afternoon in a bid to confirm Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, moving to overcome a Democratic filibuster just minutes earlier.
The Senate initially voted 55-45 on a motion to end debate on Gorsuch, with four Democrats breaking ranks; it needed 60 to succeed. Known as a filibuster, this vote triggered Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to go “nuclear.”
This means he is trying to change Senate precedent so that the Senate can move to a final roll call with just a simple majority of 51 votes, as opposed to 60. If he succeeds, a final confirmation vote would be held Friday.
The dramatic and fast-paced chain of events is poised to significantly change the way the Senate does business. Each party blames the other for the escalation and the breakdown in the Senate’s parliamentary decorum, and the impact could be felt for years, if not decades, to come.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, kicking off Thursday’s session, blasted Democrats for the filibuster attempt and accused them of driving the upper chamber to this point. He said their opposition to Gorsuch isn’t about the nominee but “the man who nominated him” – and part of an “extreme escalation in the left’s never-ending drive to politicize the courts and the confirmation process.”
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
Wonder if any articles will mention who first decided the nuclear option was a good idea.
ping!
Simce only 2003.
We are in a cold civil war.
The Democrats are the Left. The media is the Left.
The Left recognizes no power but its own.
When the Left controls the Senate its decisions are sacrosanct.
When anyone else controls the Senate its decisions are treasonous.
When the Left controls the Presidency his authority is beyond question.
When anyone else controls the Presidency his authority is illegitimate and to be thwarted at every turn.
And now... soon...
When the Left controls the Supreme Court it is the final arbiter.
When anyone else controls the Supreme Court...?
And, a bit of history:
Filibuster first limited in 1917 with 66 votes...by Democrats
Filibuster further limited in 1975 with 60 votes...by Democrats.
Filibuster further limited (for convenient votes) in 2013 with 51 votes...by Democrats.
Source: https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/briefing/Filibuster_Cloture.htm
The ‘rats are scum. Good riddance to the stupid filibuster.
McVain is the idiot for thinking the filibuster is something precious, it is a vile and dispensable “Senate tradition” with a sordid history.
All the prattle about the Senate as a great “deliberative institution” has absolutely nothing to do with the filibuster, which does not promote deliberation but is simply a tool of obstruction.
Demon Rats have an UNPRECEDENTED filibuster of a SCOTUS nominee....the media is LOATHE to report this fact.
Local Miami media keeps saying the rules change is unprecedented....but not the filibuster.
Collins said the other day she would support the change in rules if necessary. So unless something is changed with her, I expect her to support the “nuclear option”....
Clarence thomas confirmed with a 52-48 vote.
For the first time in my adult life I’m proud of Mitch McConnell. A 7-2 court would be fantastic and Trump would go down as a great president if that’s all he accomplished. Realistically with Gorsuch it’s now going to be 5-4 (including squish Kennedy), as it was before Scalia’s untimely death. If Kennedy retires as he’s hinted at doing, it could be a solid 5-4. If Darth Vader Ginsburg retires/expires, it could be a solid 6-3. I would take that. Time to go for broke and preserve our constitution against the “Resist” democrats. Screw them and the horse they rode in on.
If we can confirm a Justice with 51 votes, then we can repeal a failed medical care law with 51 votes. If we're going nuclear, lets make it count.
The democrats started this game by creating Obamacare without even one republican vote and without any constitutional foundation. Perhaps they need to learn that such games have no winner - the only way to win is not to play. Even a VERY messy end is better than keeping socialized medicine forever. They won't try that again!
I knew exactly what you meant, I’ve had the same concerns but now we will see.
I also here Collins and Corker may not support it. This will allow McCain to jump in and be the killer. He can then hit the microphone circuit. I can hear it now.
Senate tradition ended when Senators started being elected by popular vote like Representatives. Why keep pretending that this is some serious, deliberative body anymore? It’s a bunch hogs feeding at the lobbyist trough and pandering to the various interest groups...just like the House.
“Trump should add another 2 or 4 to the court “
Which is why they will do anything to stop him.
Ditto. In spades.
It’s already been done.
They have to sit and take the fruits of their efforts started in 2013 by one of their own.
Trump is now free to choose 1-2 even more Constitutionalist to the SCOTUS the Gorsuch is noted for being.
The Dems stupidily have taken away ability to keep this administration in check.
I'm enjoying every minute of it.
And, a bit of history:
Filibuster first limited in 1917 with 66 votes...by Democrats
Filibuster further limited in 1975 with 60 votes...by Democrats.
Filibuster further limited (for convenient votes) in 2013 with 51 votes...by Democrats.
Source: https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/briefing/Filibuster_Cloture.htm
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