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In reply to the discussion: By Ditching the Public Option, Obama Gave His Enemies a Path to the Supreme Court [View all]Better Believe It
(18,630 posts)Do you now understand the difference?
You wrote: "The only time when the rules can be changed with a majority vote is at the begining of a Session of the Senate."
Wrong again! Senator Reid can bypass Republican "procedural" filibusters and change Senate rules anytime he wants and go directly to a simple up and down majority vote on legislation.
Reid triggers nuclear option to change Senate rules, end repeat filibusters
By Alexander Bolton
October 6, 2011
In a shocking development Thursday evening, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) triggered a rarely used procedural option informally called the nuclear option to change the Senate rules.
Reid and 50 members of his caucus voted to change Senate rules unilaterally to prevent Republicans from forcing votes on uncomfortable amendments after the chamber has voted to move to final passage of a bill.
Reids coup passed by a vote of 51-48, leaving Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) fuming.
http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/186133-reid-triggers-nuclear-option-to-change-senate-rules-and-prohibit-post-cloture-filibusters