What is the 'nuclear option,' the step Trump wants the Senate to take?

2018-12-21
Source: WashingtonGuardian
by: Kaitlyn Schallhorn

Fences by is licensed under

President Trump wants to go nuclear.

With a partial government shutdown imminent, Trump urged Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to implement the so-called "nuclear option" to pass a spending bill that includes the $5 billion he’s demanded for the border wall.

He also praised Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., for supporting a precedent change in the Senate to get the spending bill – with his demand for border wall funding – passed.

The nuclear option would change Senate precedent, to require only a simple majority to pass a bill as opposed to the 60-vote majority required now. With a 60-vote threshold, the House-approved spending bill that includes $5.7 billion for a border wall has a slim chance of actually making it out of the Senate.

With a simple majority, just 51 senators – or 50, with Vice President Pence serving as a tiebreaker – would be needed to pass a spending bill that includes Trump’s border funding demands.

Source: Fox News

Fences by is licensed under

TERMS & POLICIES

The Washington Guardian name and logo are protected by trademark and copyright and are property of Washington Guardian. Use of the Washington Guardian name and logo is strictly prohibited without express written approval from Washington Guardian. Purchasing or displaying our Washington Guardian official merchandise does not grant an individual any affiliation or formal representation to Washington Guardian. Washington Guardian official merchandise may not be re-sold by anyone without express written approval from Washington Guardian. Washington Guardian will not be held liable for any statements, actions or offenses that may arise from individuals displaying or wearing our merchandise or claiming to be official members of our organization. Washington Guardian does not endorse violence nor do we endorse confrontations with paid protesters at rallies or public appearances. Washington Guardian believes in the First Amendment of the United States and believes in the People's peaceful right to demonstrate and protest. However, we denounce protesters being paid and provided untruthful propaganda, and we encourage our supporters to attend all rallies, events, and demonstrations in a peaceful manner. Washington Guardian formally denounces those who use violence, racism, discrimination or derogatory statements, whether online, in person or through any other means. These terms do not constitute professional legal advice