WASHINGTON — The tradition-laden Senate voted Thursday to modestly curb filibusters, using a bipartisan consensus rare in today’s hyper-partisan climate to make it a bit harder but not impossible for outnumbered senators to sink bills and nominations.
The rules changes would reduce yet not eliminate the number of times opponents — usually minority Republicans these days — can use filibusters, procedural tactics that can derail legislation and that can be stopped only by the votes of 60 of the 100 senators.
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What is wrong with Harry Reed and the Dems? Did they watch Jimmy Stewart in 'Mr. Deeds' too many times? Why does he just knuckle under to GOP threats to filibuster? You're in the majority, bring up any damn bill you want, and let the minority knock themselves out, demonstrtating to the American people what true obstructionism looks like. It ain't pretty. Call the GOPs bluff, and if it's not a bluff fine, let them look ridiculous on CSPAN.
Okay, so they passed some rule changes . . . but what are they?