Filibusted

Schumer Eyes Filibuster Reform

Is he positioning himself for Majority Leader?

Is filibuster reform gaining steam? Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) plans to hold three hearings on the filibuster and ways to reform it, Politico reports. New and liberal Democrats are concerned about the procedural tool, and Schumer, who chairs the rules and administration committee, decided to go forward after discussing it with Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI) and Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM), who are also worried. Democrats argue that the tactic has been increasingly abused in recent years and are frustrated that the GOP forces them to have a 60-vote supermajority to advance much legislation. Schumer’s decision comes after a potential rival for the majority leader position, Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), has ramped up his criticism of the filibuster; some see both men wooing fellow senators hungry for more aggressive leadership. Both men deny they’re seeking the position, saying they expect current Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) to be reelected.