Reid, McConnell Close To Filibuster Reform Deal - TPM

[flamingdem]

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2013/01/reid-mcconnell-close-to-filibuster-reform-agreement.php

Sahil Kapur January 23, 2013, 9:20 PM 1557

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) are nearing a bipartisan deal to enact minor changes to the filibuster, a source familiar with the negotiations tells TPM.

The deal, which is not yet final, makes very modest changes. It would permit the majority to bypass a filibuster on the motion to proceed to debate — if a group of senators on each side agree or if there’s a guarantee that both sides will get to offer amendments, the source said Wednesday evening.

It also includes an expedited process for some nominations and lowers the number of cloture motions required to go to conference with the House.

The emerging agreement reflects the plan that Sens. John McCain (R-AZ) and Carl Levin (D-MI) put forth to avoid further-reaching filibuster reform that proponents wanted. But it tweaks some aspects to address Democrats’ concerns that it would empower the minority to add poison pills to legislation.

The final unresolved detail in the negotiations between the two leaders involves the amount of post-cloture time for nominees, the source said, describing it as a minor hurdle.

A Republican aide plugged in to the negotiations declined to confirm or deny these details, signaling only that the deal wasn’t yet final.

“Members are discussing,” the source said.

[annabanana]

1. So..

weak tea and no show.

Damn it. I would have ENJOYED a talking filibuster.

[markpkessinger]

2. Exactly

I'm disgusted with Reid over this.

[leftyohiolib]

3. anyone surprised? what a waste of hope

[TDale313]

4. Surprised? No. But I am disappointed. n/t

[demwing]

5. A "source familiar with the negotiations" ???

Could be anybody or nobody. Could be McConnell.

[octoberlib]

6. Crap. What happened to "going nuclear"?

Has Reid ever gone nuclear in his life? Some corporate Dems were against Merkley-Udall as well.

[Tx4obama]

7. More info/update on the link below

Here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/23/filibuster-reform_n_2538309.html

[LonePirate]

8. We will never see meaningful filibuster reform until the Repubs regain the Senate

They will never tolerate the same crap they have perpetrated for years.

I hate that Reid has cowed down to the turtle. I'm not surprised at all, though. There are simply too many red state and good old boy Democrats who refuse to enact real progressive change for this country.

[mindwalker_i]

9. How about this...

For every filibuster, McConnel gets punched in the face. If it has to do with a budget, Ryan gets kicked in the nuts.

[flamingdem]

10. All in favor say ay yi yi! nt