President Trump on Sunday called for Senate Republicans to trigger the so-called "nuclear option" if the government shutdown continues and pass a long-term budget with 51 votes, according to The Hill.
A little history is in order. The US House continues to pass budget bills. The Senate can't take them up, because 60 votes is needed and the Democrats won't allow the bills to be debated.
On Friday, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell asked that the continuing resolution meant to keep the government open be allowed to pass with a majority of votes. Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer objected. So the Senate needs 60.
The GOP can change the rules and require only 51 votes are needed on budget bills.
But will they?
I realize that the Senate is supposed to be the deliberative body compared to the populist passions of the House. And the threshold protects the minority party and gives them a meaningful role.
But the 60-vote threshold is an outdated concept based on the premise that the US Senate will do SOMETHING eventually. What we get in this modern, polarized age is a WHOLE BUNCH OF NOTHING. Time for it to go.
What say you?