Filibuster Showdown Postponed
In an unexpected move, a group of 14 Senators, evenly split between Democrats and Republicans, managed to work out a proposal that will delay the showdown over the ability of the minority party to filibuster judicial nominees. The compromise, although likely to generate disapproval on both sides, leans more in favor of the Republicans. Votes will be forced on the three most “controversial” nominees, Janice Rogers Brown, William Pryor and Priscilla Owen. The Republicans will prevent a filibuster rule change, and the Democrats will only use the filibuster “under extraordinary circumstances.” Of course, if Democrats break the deal by using a filibuster when the circumstances are not extraordinary, Republicans are not going to protect them from the consequences. So basically, three nominees get votes, and the next time the Democrats filibuster a nominee, the showdown will recommence. The Senate has done what it is known for doing: procrastination.