To the Point
GOP 'Nukes' the Senate filibuster on SCOTUS nominees
Senate Democrats today blocked Judge Neil Gorsuch's appointment to the US Supreme Court… but just for the moment. The Republican majority has changed the rules to force a likely confirmation as soon as tomorrow.
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenPhoto: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) walks from the Senate Chamber after eliminating the filibuster rule against Supreme Court nominees, on Capitol Hill in Washington, April 6, 2017. (Joshua Roberts/Reuters)
In this episode
3 storiesNunes recusal is latest intelligence shakeup
California Republican Devin Nunes has recused himself as Chair of the House Intelligence Committee while it investigates Russian interference in last year's election. He's also being investigated himself, by the Ethics Committee.
Read the story7 minAnother blow to bipartisanship
In the Senate, minority party rights have been protected by requiring that some measures need 60 votes, instead of just 51, in order to pass. But over the years, both parties have eroded that rule — especially regarding judicial confirmations — and this week it’s happening again.
Read the story34 minMar-a-Lago diplomacy and free publicity
Secret Service agents tidy-up President Trump's limousines as they wait for him at Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida Photo by Jonathan Ernst/Reuters President Trump's summit meeting with China's President Xi Jinping starts today at Mar-a-Lago — Mr. Trump's ultra-luxurious club for members only, now being called "the Winter White House."…
Read the story10 min
