4 chapters across the catalog
A procedural debate continues regarding the "nuclear option," a workaround that would allow the Senate to bypass the 60-vote cloture requirement with a simple majority. While the method was used in 2013 and 2017 for judicial and executive nominations, its application to general legislation remains a point of political friction. Proponents suggest this could end the government shutdown, while opponents fear the long-term impact on minority party power.
President Trump encouraged Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to "go nuclear" to confirm Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch if Democrats attempt a filibuster. The "nuclear option" refers to changing Senate rules to allow a simple majority vote for Supreme Court confirmations. The hosts note that the precedent for this maneuver was set by the Obama administration in 2013 for lower-level appointments.
Bill O'Reilly is mocked for several verbal gaffes during a segment on the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch. O'Reilly mistakenly referred to the justice as "George Gorsuch" and the late Justice Scalia as "Anthony" instead of Antonin. The hosts speculate that O'Reilly may have been "hammered" or under extreme pressure during the broadcast.
The U.S. Senate changed its rules to allow for the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch with a simple majority, effectively ending the 60-vote filibuster hurdle for high court nominees. The segment discusses the history of the Senate, noting it was originally designed to represent state interests rather than the voting public. A $500 billion fraud at HUD is mentioned as a story overshadowed by war coverage.
