Sen Reid seeks to limit filibuster in next Senate

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) said he will push rules changes to limit Republicans’ ability to filibuster proceedings in the next session of Congress.

To do so, Sen Reid most likely will have to employ a controversial tactic known as the "Constitutional" option. Under this scenario, Senate Democrats could change chamber rules by a simple majority vote. Otherwise, reforming the chamber’s rules through regular order would require a two-thirds vote of the Senate and need heavy buy-in from Republicans. Democrats will likely control at least 54 seats, and perhaps 55 seats, at the start of the 113th Congress in January. Sen Reid said he will not end the Senate filibuster, which gives the minority party the ability to block legislation with 41 votes. Instead, he will curb its practice, most likely by shielding motions to proceed to new business from dilatory tactics.