The option is invoked when the majority leader raises a point of order that only a simple. The nuclear option or constitutional option is a parliamentary procedure that allows the united states senate to override a rule specifically the 60 vote rule to close debate by a simple majority of 51 votes rather than the two thirds supermajority normally required to amend the rules. The nuclear option was implemented for the first time and the senate rules were changed so nominees for cabinet posts and federal judgeships could be confirmed with just 51 votes.
Senate republicans are considering using the nuclear option to end a potential democratic filibuster and confirm neil gorsuch to the supreme court. At the time three fifths of all senators duly chosen and sworn then 60 votes were required to end debate on nominations under rule xxii of the senate s standing rules. The 2005 debate on the nuclear option was a political debate in the united states senate regarding the possible use of the nuclear option to allow a simple majority to confirm judicial nominees.
Bush was president and republicans ran the senate switched positions. Majority leader harry reid d nev who had opposed the nuclear option as a threat to venerable senate norms when george w. The idea of the so called nuclear option a process that allows the senate to change its rules with a simple majority vote has been around since at least 2005 when republicans.
We take a look at the nuclear option what it is how it works and where the name. Senate republicans enacted the nuclear option to clear the way to confirm neil gorsuch to the supreme court. The option is invoked when the majority leader raises a point of order that contravenes a standing rule such as.
The nuclear option is a parliamentary procedure that allows the united states senate to override a standing rule of the senate such as the 60 vote rule to close debate by a simple majority of 51 votes rather than the two thirds supermajority normally required to amend the rules.
