Question

In 2013, Republicans refused to vote on numerous executive branch and judicial branch nominees. Frustrated, the Democrats instituted a majority vote to abolish filibusters for these positions. This process is referred to as ______

Answer 1

Answer:

Nuclear option

Explanation:

The "nuclear option," also called the "constitutional option," is a procedure that allows the US Senate to suppress a rule or precedent by a simple majority of 51 votes - just what the Republican Party has - rather than by the "supermajority" from 60 votes. In November 2013, Democratic senators used the “nuclear option” to extinguish Republican filibusters in the process of appointing some executive nominees as well as federal judges.

Answer 2

Answer:

The process is referred to as Nuclear option

Explanation:

Nuclear option is a parliamentary process that allows the American Senate to make a final decision on any debated issue by using a simple majority vote, irrespective of existing processes or rules like Rule XXII which requires the agreement of 60 senators to end a filibuster for legislation, and 67 senators to amend a Senate rule. In November 2013, Harry Reid led the Senate Democrats and used the nuclear option to eliminate the 60-vote rule on nominations for the executive branch and federal judicial appointments.