In the US Senate, What is the Nuclear Option?
The so-called “nuclear option” in the United States senate is a technique which could potentially be used to end a filibuster. Filibusters are an important part of the Senate’s rich tradition, and while filibusters are not used frequently, a few have attracted great public attention. With the nuclear option, a simple majority in the Senate could force the issue being filibustered to be tabled, meaning that the Senate would go on with its daily business and return to the issue later. Before explaining how the nuclear option works, it can help to know what a filibuster is. According to the rules of the United States Senate, nothing limits debate and discussion on an issue being considered by the Senate. A filibuster is used, therefore, to drag out a Senate decision, with a Senator or group of Senators holding the floor with speeches. Typically, a group of Senators works together to hold a filibuster, trading off with each other as they tire out. While the filibuster is carried out, the S
