This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-25042482

The article has changed 9 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Senate debates rule change on curbing filibusters Senate votes to change rules to curb filibusters
(about 1 hour later)
Senate Democrats have opened debate on a motion known as the "nuclear option", which would remove Republicans' ability to block many White House nominations. Senate Democrats have passed a motion known as the "nuclear option", which weakens Republicans' ability to block White House nominations.
The measure would take away the power of the upper chamber's minority party to use a blocking tactic known as a filibuster. The measure, passed 52-48, curbs the power of the upper chamber's minority party to use a blocking tactic known as a filibuster.
The controversial rule change would require just 51 votes, instead of 60, to overcome such a manoeuvre. But it is feared the move will make US politics even more acrimonious.
Democrats control 55 seats in the Senate; Republicans 45. It could also be used against Democrats if Republicans were to win a Senate majority in the next election.
It is feared such a rule change would make US politics even more acrimonious and could be used against Democrats if Republicans were to win a Senate majority in the next election. Under the rule change, the party in control of the upper chamber of the US Congress would require just 51 votes, instead of 60, to overcome a filibuster of White House judicial or executive nominations.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and his fellow Democrats, who control the chamber, have repeatedly warned they might ram through the motion. Democrats currently have 55 seats in the Senate; Republicans 45.
Thursday's motion does not affect Supreme Court nominations or regular legislation.
It is viewed as the most significant rule change since 1975, when the requirement to end any filibuster on the Senate floor was decreased from two-thirds of all senators to the current 60.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and his fellow Democrats, who control the chamber, had repeatedly warned they might ram through the motion.
In July, Democrats set aside a threat to do so only after Republicans dropped their long-standing objections to several White House nominees.In July, Democrats set aside a threat to do so only after Republicans dropped their long-standing objections to several White House nominees.
Democrats have argued there has been unprecedented Republican obstruction against President Barack Obama's nominees.Democrats have argued there has been unprecedented Republican obstruction against President Barack Obama's nominees.
Earlier this week, Republicans filibustered the nomination of a judge to a key appeals court, the third such move since October. Earlier this week, Senate Republicans filibustered the nomination of a judge to a key appeals court, the third such move since October. Democrats could not muster enough votes to overcome the manoeuvre.
Senate Democrats could not muster enough votes to overcome the manoeuvre and approve Judge Robert Wilkins' confirmation. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, the chamber's top Republican, said the Democrats were "trying to blow up" the filibuster process that they themselves had used during the two terms of President George W Bush.
"You may regret this a lot sooner than you think," Mr McConnell said on the Senate floor.
But many Democrats say they are tired of Republicans blocking Obama nominees.
"They have decided that their base demands a permanent campaign against the president and maximum use of every tool available,'' said Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley.
Republican Senator Chuck Grassley told the Washington Post earlier that if the motion passed, his party would retaliate whenever it regained control of the chamber.
He said they would change the rules again to block any Democratic filibusters of Republican Supreme Court nominees.