Senate Democrats set conditions for tax reform

[Jazzhead]

In what way is something that got zero repub votes "bipartisan"?

You're correct - thanks for catching that.   I was thinking of the so-called "Gang of 14" compromise to permit some federal judges to be confirmed, but that was a temporary agreement that expired in 2007.   The rule eliminating the filibuster for judicial nominees other than the SCOTUS was, as you point out,  enacted with no GOP support when the Dems had a slight majority.   Of course, the GOP when it retook the Senate retained the rule and expanded it to allow Gorsuch to be confirmed.

The Dems' move proved to be short-sighted - they figured that Hillary would coast to election and the Dem Senate would be able to ignore the minority with ease.   Now the GOP is faced with the same decision -  eliminate the filibuster rule generally and hope they can retain the majority indefinitely.   

[RetBobbyMI]

The Dems' move proved to be short-sighted - they figured that Hillary would coast to election and the Dem Senate would be able to ignore the minority with ease.   Now the GOP is faced with the same decision -  eliminate the filibuster rule generally and hope they can retain the majority indefinitely.

The problem with the filibuster rule or 60 vote threshold is that it no longer encourages bipartisanship, but actually emboldens the minority to delay and oppose for no reason while proposing nothing. Instead, they ought to go back to simple majority rule and open legislation for amendments and open votes. They maybe should limit a Senators speaking time in floor debate to prohibit filibusters. This would allow the Senate to become much more productive

[Bigun]

The problem with the filibuster rule or 60 vote threshold is that it no longer encourages bipartisanship, but actually emboldens the minority to delay and oppose for no reason while proposing nothing. Instead, they ought to go back to simple majority rule and open legislation for amendments and open votes. They maybe should limit a Senators speaking time in floor debate to prohibit filibusters. This would allow the Senate to become much more productive

  and should become a footnote in the history books this instant!