Possibilities Around The Filibuster

TPM has an interesting piece about how to get around the filibuster, which is possible.

The way is for the president of the senate, Biden, to declare that the rules don't work and for the majority to put aside all rules and everything gets passed by majority vote. This has been referred to as the "Nuclear Option"

Can they do this? Yes, will the do it? No

"If the Dems really wanted to, they could go through this process anytime they wanted.The problem is political."

Could The Fillibuster Be Over

Man, if only this could happen:

"The Harkin proposal would officially amend the process by which a filibuster is broken, allowing a four-step process that could eventually allow it to be broken by a majority vote. The first vote would require 60 votes to break the filibuster, followed by motions requiring 57, 54, and finally, 51 votes."

It looks like Senator Dick Durbin (D) is supporting it as well. It is a pie in the sky effort but it really does need to be considered. Taking into account the current obstructionist repub party and how our government seems unable to govern, it might be necessary.