MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Vermont's two U.S. Senators voted with majority Democrats to support changes to Senate rules aimed at what they call Republican abuse of filibusters.
Sens. Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders sided with those who have argued Republican use of filibusters have blocked the proper functioning of the judiciary by blocking President Obama's nominations of federal judges.
Leahy says that in recent weeks, Republicans have blocked three highly qualified nominees to serve on the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the D.C. circuit.
Leahy says he also has supported the rights of the minority party in the Senate. But he says limiting the ability to filibuster was needed to ensure the Senate can perform its advise-and-consent duties under the Constitution.
Sens. Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders sided with those who have argued Republican use of filibusters have blocked the proper functioning of the judiciary by blocking President Obama's nominations of federal judges.
Leahy says that in recent weeks, Republicans have blocked three highly qualified nominees to serve on the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the D.C. circuit.
Leahy says he also has supported the rights of the minority party in the Senate. But he says limiting the ability to filibuster was needed to ensure the Senate can perform its advise-and-consent duties under the Constitution.