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UCmeNdc

(9,589 posts)
Thu Jan 3, 2013, 01:20 AM Jan 2013

Filibuster Reform: Senate Plan From Carl Levin, John McCain A Gift To Republicans

A filibuster reform counterproposal put forward by Sens. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), John McCain (R-Ariz.) and six other senators includes a provision that would be a boon to Republicans hoping to tack controversial amendments on to legislation headed for passage.

Debate over the future of the filibuster could begin as early as Thursday, sources close to the situation said, though Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) can postpone it to later in January. The Levin-McCain approach is in competition with a plan put forward by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), which would still allow the minority to filibuster legislation but would require them to do so by actually speaking on the floor. Merkley told the Washington Post's Greg Sargent that if the Levin-McCain proposal comes to the floor, he'll vote against it and would press others to do the same.

Merkley's plan has enough votes to pass..............


The Levin-McCain approach could also have a surprising consequence: Instead of tipping the balance of power toward the majority, it will leave in place the silent filibuster, which requires 60 votes to override, but would allow amendments to be adopted by a simple majority vote.


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/02/filibuster-senate-levin-mccain-reform_n_2397198.html?utm_hp_ref=politics

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Filibuster Reform: Senate Plan From Carl Levin, John McCain A Gift To Republicans (Original Post) UCmeNdc Jan 2013 OP
More new info on the link below Tx4obama Jan 2013 #1
I can't believe they even contemplated Mojorabbit Jan 2013 #2
I am so disappointed in Levin and I let his office know via all possible media. catbyte Jan 2013 #3
Sweet Jesus Cosmocat Jan 2013 #4
K&R Pryderi Jan 2013 #5

Mojorabbit

(16,020 posts)
2. I can't believe they even contemplated
Thu Jan 3, 2013, 02:13 AM
Jan 2013

giving this gift to the republicans. After the past four years with record stonewalling. It just amazes me.

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