GOP takes first step toward 'nuclear' rules change to speed Trump nominees

[Geee]

Washington Times

Republicans took the first official step Wednesday toward a rule change that would allow the Senate to speed up votes for some of the president’s nominees, setting the stage for what is likely to become a “nuclear” confrontation.

While pleading for bipartisanship, GOP senators made clear they likely will act on a plan to cut the amount of debate time after filibusters to two hours on most presidential nominees, down from the 30 hours currently allowed under the rules.

The 10-9 party-line vote made clear that bipartisanship is unlikely, leaving Republicans with only one option if they want to force the new rules through in time for President Trump to benefit: use the “nuclear option” to approve the changes on a majority vote.

“Make no mistake. The Republicans can change this, and will,” said Sen. Lamar Alexander, Tennessee Republican.

The issue, Republicans say, is that even though Democrats can’t unilaterally stop nominees now that it takes just a majority vote to overcome a filibuster, they can insist on using the full 30 hours’ debate that is allowed even when a filibuster has been defeated.