A Test for Bush's Republican Majority
The "Filibuster"-Debate in the U.S. Senate
SWP Comment 2005/C 24, 15.06.2005, 4 Pages Research AreasThe "Filibuster"-Debate in the U.S. Senate
SWP Comment 2005/C 24, 15.06.2005, 4 Pages Research AreasSix months after the re-election of President George W. Bush many observers wonder whether and to what extent the Republican majorities on Capitol Hill are reliable and durable. The issue gained significance following the battle about the confirmation of several judges that were nominated by Bush to the Federal bench; Democratic Senators opposed these nominations and tried to block them by using the parliamentary instrument of the filibuster. A bipartisan agreement brokered by moderate Senators and signed on 23 May 2005 temporarily resolved the explosive divisiveness and conflict potential of the judicial nominations. The filibuster debate was the first and potentially foremost test for President Bush to determine how far he can count on his legislative majority in Congress in the upcoming legislative battles.