I see a lot of posts about how there’s some victory, where McConnell somehow lost.
Um… cool that we don’t have the absolute worst outcome where the filibuster was maximized to allow them to block literally everything.
But… if Republicans can block all legislation aside from reconciliation, then the only bills we can practically expect to pass are budget ones, right?
I see the motivation to claim victory and all that, but it leaves me with one big question:
Is there any path to reducing filibuster in the senate, once it is allowed?
I don’t see any methods anywhere, where you don’t have to beat the filibuster first to do it.
So… isn’t this the end of everything but budget items and 50/50+1 squeakers on judges?
I’m not trying to argue doom or gloom — just asking the obvious under the scenario — with basic game theory logic, given how McConnel operates with his party behind him.
This seems like a profoundly disingenuous thing to celebrate on the face of it.
This seems like something to be really, really angry about, as presented.
Or am I wrong, and there’s some special rule that allows the filibuster rules to change, and not have that change itself be filibustered.
It seems like we’re about to vote to do nothing for at least 2 years, outside reconciliation and appointments.
I also don’t see a scenario where the Republicans won’t use filibuster to block effectively everything.
What am I missing?