Sen. Lamar Alexander said he has reached out to Members from both parties and reminded Democrats that procedural tactics such as the filibuster could work in their favor if they are thrust into the minority following the 2012 elections.
Besides eliminating the filibuster on motions to proceed to a bill, Democrats also have been kicking around the idea of requiring a Senator to be present on the floor to sustain a filibuster or eliminate a secret hold.
They have also been discussing whether to put the onus of a filibuster on the minority. Currently, supporters of a bill must produce 60 votes to kill a filibuster. Some Democrats say they may want to reverse the burden so opponents must produce 41 votes to sustain their position.
But so far, no single proposal has emerged.
“This is an important week to the rules process,” another Senate Democratic aide said. “It’s important to getting a final determination on the direction.”
Lois Lerner, director of exempt organizations for the IRS, arrives for a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on the investigation of the IRS' targeting of political groups. Lerner invoked her Fifth Amendment right to not testify and caused a protest from some committee members when she offered an opening statement and engaged in dialogue with members before invoking the right.
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