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.
Read More at Politico . By Manu Raju.
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