Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has now pushed trough a rule, on a near-party line vote (52-48) that would effectively end the filibuster for all judicial appointments, save for SCOTUS appointments.
In this regard, the following words are worth consideration:
The Websters dictionary defines “gimmick” as - - “an ingenious new scheme or angle.” No Mr. President, the filibuster is not a scheme. And it is not new. The filibuster is far from a “procedural gimmick.” It is part of the fabric of this institution. It was well known in colonial legislatures, and it is an integral part of our country’s 217 years of history.
The first filibuster in the U.S. Congress happened in 1790. It was used by lawmakers from Virginia and South Carolina who were trying to prevent Philadelphia from hosting the first Congress.
Since 1790, the filibuster has been employed hundreds and hundreds of times. Senators have used it to stand up to popular presidents. To block legislation. And yes – even to stall executive nominees.
The roots of the filibuster can be found in the Constitution and in the Senate rules. ...
In crafting the rules of the Senate, Senators established the right to extended debate - and they formalized it with Rule XXII almost 100 years ago. This rule codified the practice that Senators could debate extensively.
Were these the words of Sen. Mitch McConnell, or some other Republican?
Well, no.
They were the words of Sen. Harry Reid, in 2005.
Apparently, the senator's principles are quite flexible, depending upon which party is in the majority in the Seante at the moment...
