Reid supports rules change to eliminate filibuster of nominees

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) on Tuesday night endorsed President Obama’s call to change Senate rules to ensure up-or-down votes on judicial and executive-branch nominees.

Obama requested the rules change during his State of the Union address.

“I ask the Senate to pass a rule that all judicial and public service nominations receive a simple up-or-down vote within 90 days,” he said.

Reid said it was a good idea but drew the line at guaranteeing all Supreme Court nominees simple majority votes for lifetime appointments.

“I think that’s terrific — a Democratic or Republican president, they should get that,” said Reid.

Reid said he would be willing to allow judicial and executive-branch nominees to win confirmation with only 51 votes.

“I would be happy to do it with any number of votes,” he said.

“I don’t think [for] Supreme Court,” he added.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), a member of the Judiciary Committee, also endorsed the proposal.

“I’m all for it. In 90 days. Absolutely,” she said.

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