Report: Reid Preps Rule Change to Break Filibuster

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) is reportedly getting ready to use the so-called “nuclear option” to change the Senate rules so that 60 votes are no longer needed to break a filibuster. 

According to the Washington Post, President Barack Obama will support Reid’s efforts if Republicans in the Senate continue to block upcoming nominations.

“If Senator Reid decides to do something on nominations, the president has said he’ll be there to support him,” a Democratic aide told the Post. “This would take away the right to filibuster on nominations… All executive branch and judicial nominations would be subject to majority votes. He would not do it on legislative items.”

Reid reportedly has said he could not trigger the “nuclear option” last year because “old bull” Democrats would not go along with it. If Reid goes for the nuclear option, some Democrats have reportedly expressed that it could potentially kill immigration reform. 

In the past, Reid has said he was willing to “change the rules with a simple majority” and he would do that “if necessary.”