Topic: Filibusters

'King' Harry? GOP fury as Reid rewrites how the Senate works.

Senate majority leader Harry Reid left Republicans dumbfounded Thursday when he made a move some call the 'nuclear option.' It could mean Senate gridlock has passed a breaking point.

A first crack in the GOP’s 'no new taxes' armor?

Sen. Tom Coburn wants to abandon the Republican promise not to raise taxes, and he may be convincing other Republicans to consider the same

To leave a liberal legacy in the courts, Obama must imitate the GOP

President Obama should copy the Republican strategy on judges: Go young.

Senate reform: Tame the filibuster beast – and make government work again

The exploding use of the filibuster by Republicans and Democrats in recent years has ground Congress to a halt. Just a few simple changes would make filibusters the exception, not the rule.

Six big achievements of a surprisingly 'do something' Congress

The 111th Congress, which adjourned Wednesday, is one of the most productive in US history, its 13 percent approval rating notwithstanding.

DREAM Act passed by House, but Senate may be tougher

The fate of the DREAM Act rests in the hands of the Senate now that is has been approved by the House of Representatives. But Republicans may block its passage, as it did in a September vote.

Careful what you wish for: What GOP victories would really mean for America

From Republicans' blocking unemployment insurance and healthcare for children to protecting the oil industry and cutting Medicare – do Americans really know what they’re getting?

Stripped down energy bill leaves out 'cap and trade'

Without 'cap and trade,' Senate majority leader Harry Reid said Tuesday the narrower energy bill has a better shot at overcoming GOP opposition.

Unemployment insurance benefits extension clears hurdle

Unemployment insurance to millions who have been out of work for more than six months would restore jobless checks for 2.5 million people whose benefits started running out seven weeks ago.

Next up on unfinished Senate agenda: unemployment insurance

Once Democrat Carte Goodwin is sworn in Tuesday to replace the late Sen. Robert Byrd, Senate Democrats will have the votes to try again to extend unemployment insurance to the jobless.

Robert Byrd: a zeal for preserving the Senate's power and civility

Sen. Robert Byrd, who died early Monday, had an unrivaled grasp of Senate procedure. He’ll also be remembered for the outsize share of federal dollars he won for his state, West Virginia.

Healthcare reform 'fixes': What does the House want to change?

House Democrats are considering a package of 'fixes' to the Senate healthcare reform bill. Among the demands: lowering the cost of the bill and removing sweetheart deals for some states.

Reconciliation: why healthcare reform 'nuclear option' is deadly

Usually, 'reconciliation' seems like an arcane term. But the look on Senator Lindsey Graham's face when he discussed it Sunday shows how healthcare reform's 'nuclear option' could poison the already-poor state of bipartisanship in the Senate.

Obama health care reconciliation: save your outrage for the unconstitutional filibuster

Forget President Obama's health care reconciliation. The real abuse of power is the filibuster. 

Obama healthcare plan omits public option

The Obama healthcare plan, unveiled Monday, would rein in rate hikes, and includes an exchange where people can shop for coverage, but not a public option.

Bill to rein in filibuster introduced. Long shot?

Democratic Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Tom Harkin introduced a bill Thursday to curb the use of the filibuster, which they say promotes gridlock. But changing Senate rules requires 67 votes.

The filibuster is back, in all its swashbuckling glory

Senate Republicans, now 41 strong, used the filibuster Tuesday to block Obama's nominee for the National Labor Relations Board. But do you political buccaneers truly know what 'filibuster' means?

Paul Kirk, a Kennedy confidant, to fill vacant Senate seat

The appointment of Paul Kirk to Ted Kennedy's seat means Democrats will have their 60-seat filibuster-proof majority when the Senate votes on a healthcare bill this fall.

Obama's partisan reasons for 'bipartisan' healthcare

Obama needs to woo doubting conservatives in his own party even more than he needs to win over Republicans.

Latest GOP setback: Florida's Senator Martinez to retire early

Six other Republican senators have announced they’ll retire. The exits are a sign the GOP sees itself in 'back seat' for years, say analysts.

Three senators hold healthcare reform in their hands

At a time when the threat of filibusters is constant, GOP Senators Enzi, Snowe, and Grassley can wield tremendous influence.

On Franken's first day as senator, a standing ovation

Fellow Democrats greeted him warmly Tuesday, but his vote is no guarantee that thorny legislation – such as healthcare reform and a sweeping energy bill – will hit the fast track.

Franken as 60th Senate Democrat: How big a prize?

It's better for Democrats than 59. But a Senate supermajority didn't much help the last president to have one: Jimmy Carter.

How stimulus bill reignited the partisan divide