Unions, green groups back Reid in filibuster fight

By Mario Trujillo - 11/28/12 01:49 PM ET

A coalition that includes unions and environmental groups is backing Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s (D-Nev.) call to curtail the use of the filibuster in the next Congress.

“Fix the Senate Now” was formed at the start of the 112th Congress to urge changes to Senate rules, and is springing into action now that Reid is threatening to use a majority vote to limit the power of the Republican minority in the next Senate.

Many of the groups involved have long complained that the 60-vote threshold to break filibusters has left their championed legislation stalled on the Senate floor. They say changes to the rules are long overdue.

“Facing unparalleled challenges — a languid economic recovery, crushing debt, and threats at home and abroad — the country cannot afford another two years of inaction fostered by outmoded and broken legislative institutions,” the coalition said in a statement Wednesday.

Members of the group include the Alliance for Justice, the Brennan Center for Justice, Common Cause, Communications Workers of America, Sierra Club and the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America.

Reid has threatened to use the so-called “constitutional option,” also known as the “nuclear option,” to change Senate rules next year. He is not pushing to end the filibuster completely, instead seeking limits on how and when it can be used.

President Obama backed Reid’s call for filibuster reform on Wednesday, but the idea faces strong resistance from Republicans and even some Democrats. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has warned that a majority vote to change Senate rules would poison the well for negotiations on the deficit.

A group of junior Democratic senators has sponsored legislation to end the filibuster on the motion to proceed and to instate a talking filibuster, which would require senators to remain constantly on the floor while filibustering.

“Fix the Senate Now” has endorsed both plans, along with limiting debate on nominations.

While most incoming Democratic senators have signed on to rules reform, Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) — who has spearheaded reform efforts — said earlier this month he didn’t yet have the votes needed to change the rules next year.