the deal

A deal has been agreed to, and, at least for now, it doesn’t look as though the Senate’s rules concerning minority rights (i.e. the filibuster) are in danger… In exchange for a promise to vote for cloture on the judicial nominees Janice Rogers Brown, William Pryor and Priscilla Owen, the Republicans have agreed not to exercise the “nuclear option” against the Senate’s longstanding rules. Most importantly, that means that Democrats can still filibuster Supreme Court nominees, should they hold views that fall far outside the American mainstream.

From what I can tell, the party faithful on both sides are pissed, so maybe it was a good compromise. I’d like to think that the Democrats could have won, had they stuck to their guns and not given the Republicans a way to back down and save (some) face, but the risk was probably too great. With all things considered, it was probably a good deal. (If you follow that last link, you’ll get lots of vitriol from the religious right, who are absolutely livid that the Republicans accepted a compromise… Dobson and company are looking for blood.)

UPDATE:
The New York Times attributes the deal to Byrd, Warner, and McCain.

UPDATE:
I just received the following note from Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid:

There is good news for every American in this agreement. The so-called “nuclear option” is off the table. This is a significant victory for our country, for democracy, and for all Americans. Checks and balances in our government have been preserved.

The integrity of future Supreme Courts has been protected from the undue influences of a vocal, radical faction of the right that is completely out of step with mainstream America. That was the intent of the Republican “nuclear option” from the beginning. Tonight, the Senate has worked its will on behalf of reason, responsibility and the greater good. We have sent President George Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney and the radical arm of the Republican base an undeniable message: Abuse of power will not be tolerated, and attempts to trample the Constitution and grab absolute control are over. We are a separate and equal branch of government. That is our founding fathers’ vision, and one we hold dear.

I offered Senator Frist several options similar to this compromise, and while he was not able to agree, I am pleased that some responsible Republicans and my colleagues were able to put aside there differences and work from the center. I do not support several of the judges that have been agreed to because their views and records display judicial activism that jeopardize individual rights and freedoms. But other troublesome nominees have been turned down. And, most importantly, the U.S. Senate retains the checks and balances to ensure all voices are heard in our democracy and the Supreme Court make-up cannot be decided by a simple majority.

I am grateful to my colleagues who brokered this deal. Now, we can move beyond this time-consuming process that has deteriorated the comity of this great institution. I am hopeful that we can quickly turn to work on the people’s business. We need to ensure our troops have the resources they need to fight in Iraq and that Americans are free from terrorism. We need to protect retiree’s pensions and long-term security. We need to expand healthcare opportunities for all families. We need to address rising gasoline prices and energy independence. And we need to restore fiscal responsibility and rebuild our economy so that it lifts all American workers. That is our reform agenda, the people’s reform agenda. Together, we can get the job done.