Obama supports Senate rule change to curb filibusters
The US Senate has voted to change the rules on appointments of judges and other senior officials, in a move which will prevent the Republicans from blocking many White House nominations.
It means that the tactic known as filibustering, or lengthening a debate to prevent a vote, cannot be employed to stop such appointments.
Democrats argued that Republican blocking tactics were preventing the Senate from functioning. Speaking to reporters, President Obama said it was harmful to democracy.
21 Nov 2013
- From the section US & Canada