Dems, GOP Overhaul Senate Rules

Democratic and Republican leaders in the Senate have reached an agreement to overhaul the chamber's procedural rules. Senators will no longer be able to stall legislation by placing anonymous secret holds or by forcing the reading of amendments in their entirety. Democratic leaders had previously vowed to eliminate the filibuster requirement of 60 votes for a measure's passage but ultimately left the method intact. The deal also reduces the number of federal positions requiring Senate confirmation by 400.

Democratic and Republican leaders in the Senate have reached an agreement to overhaul the chamber's procedural rules. Senators will no longer be able to stall legislation by placing anonymous secret holds or by forcing the reading of amendments in their entirety. Democratic leaders had previously vowed to eliminate the filibuster requirement of 60 votes for a measure's passage but ultimately left the method intact. The deal also reduces the number of federal positions requiring Senate confirmation by 400.

Join Us: News for people demanding a better world


Common Dreams is powered by optimists who believe in the power of informed and engaged citizens to ignite and enact change to make the world a better place.

We're hundreds of thousands strong, but every single supporter makes the difference.

Your contribution supports this bold media model—free, independent, and dedicated to reporting the facts every day. Stand with us in the fight for economic equality, social justice, human rights, and a more sustainable future. As a people-powered nonprofit news outlet, we cover the issues the corporate media never will. Join with us today!

Our work is licensed under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0). Feel free to republish and share widely.