It seems that the Senate isn't willing to give up the filibuster, as the proposal pushed by Democratic reformers has gone down in flames. Here, Ezra Klein explains, is our consolation prize:
The Senate will vote on eliminating secret holds, ending the timewaster of having the clerk read legislation out on the Senate floor, and cutting the number of nominees who require Senate confirmation by a third (which would free about 400 positions from the process). Reid and McConnell have also agreed, in principle, to avoid filibustering the motion to debate and to grant the other side more opportunities to amend legislation.
These are good things, and on issues like executive branch nominations and judicial confirmations, they will almost certainly make a difference. Still, it's disappointing that Democrats weren't able to see their real interest in curtailing the filibuster. Yes, when they are next in the minority, they will be able to block GOP legislation. But when they regain the majority, they'll have a hard time actually doing anything. On the other hand, given the Republican Party's willingness to change procedure when necessary, I wouldn't be surprised if the next Republican Senate majority chooses to just abolish the filibuster in full.
-- Jamelle Bouie
