Dems Filibuster Gorsuch; McConnell Invokes Nuclear Option
Nuclear Option Affirmed; Senate Will Now Proceed to Vote on New Rules

Update: The Senate just voted to reject the ruling of the parlimentarian, who (I am guessing) just ruled that a vote on Gorsuch would be improper as cloture had not been voted.

The Republicans voted "no" when asked if they accept this ruling. So the rule that had been in place is now rejected.

Now they have to vote for a new precedent. Not a "rule," Harris Faulkner tells me, but a "precedent."

Currently the Democrats seem to be engaging in procedural harassments to delay the vote. Schumer just moved to adjourn until 5pm. There was an "audible sigh" from the chair of the Senate at Schumer's motion-- annoyed he was attempting to delay it, I guess.

Once they're done voting that down, I assume there will be more motions by Schumer to delay what appears to be the inevitable.

By the way, they will also invoke the "Reid Rule" to limit discussions on executive nominees to 8 hours, down from the current 30, to break the logjam in getting Trump's appointees actually in office.

Update: Schumer's stall on the nuclear option vote failed 52-48 -- which makes me believe that will also be the vote on the nuclear option. 52-48 -- complete party-line voting on both sides.

If a Susan Collins wanted more time to stall for a "deal" to avoid the nuclear option, she could have just voted for Schumer's stall tactic. It's just five hours, after all.

But she didn't.

Seems like everyone on our side is now ready to Do This.

Now let's Do This!

Nuclear Option Affirmed; Senate Will Now Proceed to Vote on New Rules&bodytext=Update: The Senate just voted to reject the ruling of the parlimentarian, who (I am guessing) just ruled that a vote on Gorsuch would be improper as cloture had not been voted. The Republicans voted "no" when asked if they...&topic=world_news"> posted by Ace at 12:05 PM

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