Senate rejects 'talking filibuster' proposal

The Senate has just voted down a resolution that would have changed several Senate debate rules, most notably by requiring filibusters to be conducted by actively debating a bill, as opposed to the current system under which members do not need to speak in order to maintain a filibuster. A two-thirds majority was needed, but the resolution could only muster a 44-51 vote.

Passage was not expected, as Democratic and Senate leaders earlier in the day struck an agreement to modify some debate rules and in doing so agreed not to seek many of the dramatic changes that were sought by some Democrats. Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) proposed the resolution, S.Res. 10.

The vote was largely along party lines, although Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) voted with Republicans against the bill.