Crucial Nuclear Option Decision Arrives for Majority Leader Reid - the Hill - Covering Congress, Politics, Political Campaigns a
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid faces one of the biggest decisions of his career this month as he heads for a showdown with Republicans on President Obama’s stalled nominees.
The Nevada Democrat must decide whether to trigger a controversial tactic known as the nuclear option to strip from Republicans the power to endlessly debate presidential nominees.
The maneuver entails changing the Senate’s rules with a simple majority vote, instead of clearing the 67-vote threshold required under the standing rules.
Reid will feel out members of his caucus this week on how hard they want to push for Gina McCarthy, Obama’s choice to head the Environmental Protection Agency, and other high-profile nominees, according to a senior Democratic aide.