Politics

Reid working to change filibuster rules, says Republicans have ‘abused’ them

Alexis Levinson Political Reporter
Font Size:

WASHINGTON — Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said he is working to get the votes to change the rules governing the filibuster, saying Republicans had “abused” the procedure and hamstrung the chamber.

“Everyone should understand we’re going to move to change the Republican plot to make the Senate an institution that has no bearing,” Reid told reporters Wednesday.

Reid said Republicans had made passing legislation “almost an impossible task” by using filibusters on the motion to proceed, a rule which, he said, “they have abused.”

Reid cited the Farm Bill and the Postal Bill as two specific examples of the “many” things he said the Senate still had pending.

“We can’t vote on it. Why? Because it takes three filibusters, we have to overcome three filibusters,” he said.

“We’re going to really make an attempt to change the rules, and we are working to make sure we have a the votes to change the rules,” Reid said.

Follow Alexis on Twitter