Do you like arithmetic? Doing arithmetic sometimes improves my day, sometimes it doesn't. Today was a "doesn't" day.
NPR's repeated statements that the 2007 Senate set a record for filibusters irritated me so much that I decided to try to calm my mind by looking at some numbers. What I found surprised me. Many of you know what I discovered, but I hope this diary will interest a few readers.
Two-thirds of the Senate must agree to override a veto.
Two-thirds of the Senate must agree to expel a member.
Conviction on an impeachment charge requires a two-thirds vote.
Two-thirds of Senators present and voting must agree to debate a proposed change of a Senate rule.
34 Senators can block a veto override, prevent the expulsion of a member, or prevent impeachment conviction.
(Following numbers for total U.S. population include Washington, D.C., and exclude other non-state affiliates such as Puerto Rico.)
Guess what? 34 Senators represent 7% of U.S. residents! Fewer than 34 Senators can block debate on a rule change.
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