NPR : Taking Issue... Judicial Filibusters

Judicial Filibusters

NPR.org, March 24, 2005 · President Bush has re-nominated seven of the 10 appeals court candidates who were previously blocked by Senate Democrats. Under Senate rules, it takes just 41 votes to prevent a vote on an issue -- including a judicial nominee. But Republicans threaten to put an end to such judicial filibusters if Democrats continue to hold up the process. If that happens, Democrats vow to disrupt all business before the chamber.

In Defense of the Filibuster

Ross K. Baker

"The one place where minority voices are still heard is the Senate. It must be allowed to debate, to delay, and yes, even to obstruct."

Ross K. Baker is a professor of political science at Rutgers University and the author of several books on Congress.

No More Obstruction

Douglas W. Kmiec

"Anyone whose life, liberty or property is at issue before a federal tribunal is a potential filibuster victim."

Douglas W. Kmiec is a professor of constitutional law at Pepperdine University and was the head of the Office of Legal Counsel for Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush.

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