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Reid Threatens 'Nuclear' Option to Allow Nominations

by Katherine Johnson

In an attempt to end gridlock in the Senate, Majority Leader Harry Reid has threatened to use the nuclear option for nominations.

The nuclear option, which would change Senate rules and give Reid the ability to end filibusters, would allow Democrats to vote on seven of President Obama's nominees. If used, a simple majority is needed to confirm the nominees, instead of the usual 60.

If the option is used, nominees for the National Labor Relations Board, Labor Department, Environmental Protection Agency and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau could be approved.

Reid and Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell debated the use of the nuclear option today.

“I just hope the majority leader thinks about his legacy, the future of his party and, most importantly, the future of our country before he acts,” McConnell said in the debate.