Udall Proposes Filibuster Deal

Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM) will put forward a package of common-sense filibuster reforms when the new Senate opens session next week—an end to secret holds, banning the minority from blocking debate altogether, and a return to the “old-school filibuster,” where senators who want to obstruct legislation would actually have to talk on the Senate floor. But will Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) undermine it? Reid is working with Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to replace Udall’s proposal with “even more modest reforms,” according to Talking Points Memo. It’s unclear what he’s willing to concede, but Republicans are particularly keen to hang on to their power to block all debate on an issue.