Number: RL32843
Title: "Entrenchment" of Senate Procedure and the "Nuclear Option" for Change: Possible Proceedings and Their Implications
Authors: Richard S. Beth, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: The chief intent of this examination is to identify some specific courses of procedural action that might be used to carry out a "nuclear option" in the broad sense just defined. It focuses on clarifying the specific features of each course that might enable the Senate to avoid the obstacles to change posed by more conventional ways of proceeding. It indicates what provisions of existing procedures might pose difficulties for implementing various courses of action, as well as possible procedural responses by which proponents of such action might address these difficulties.
Pages: 34
Date: March 28, 2005