Senator Harry Reid

Definition

Senator Harry Reid was a prominent American politician who served as the Senate Majority Leader from 2007 to 2015. He played a significant role in shaping legislation and navigating the complexities of Senate rules, including the use of filibuster and cloture to manage debates and votes on key issues.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Harry Reid served as a U.S. Senator from Nevada from 1987 until his retirement in 2017, making him one of the longest-serving senators in history.
2. As Senate Majority Leader, Reid was instrumental in passing significant legislation such as the Affordable Care Act and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform.
3. Reid advocated for changes to Senate rules, particularly regarding the filibuster, which ultimately led to a reduction in the number of votes needed to end debate on most nominations.
4. During his leadership, Reid faced considerable challenges from Republican opposition, particularly during budget negotiations and contentious political climates.
5. Reid's legacy includes a reputation for effective negotiation and maintaining party unity in a polarized Senate environment.

Review Questions

• How did Harry Reid's role as Senate Majority Leader influence the use of filibusters during his tenure?
  • As Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid faced numerous filibusters from Republican senators aimed at blocking key legislation. In response, he used his leadership position to advocate for changes in Senate rules that would reduce the effectiveness of filibusters on certain types of legislation and nominations. This included implementing the 'nuclear option' which allowed a simple majority to end debate on judicial nominees, fundamentally altering how the Senate operated regarding filibustering.
• Analyze how Harry Reid's strategies impacted bipartisan cooperation in the Senate.
  • Harry Reid's strategies as Senate Majority Leader often reflected the highly polarized nature of American politics during his tenure. While he aimed to advance Democratic priorities, his approach sometimes strained bipartisan cooperation. His willingness to utilize cloture motions to end debates on contentious issues meant that while he achieved legislative victories, it often came at the cost of bipartisan dialogue and increased tensions with Republican senators. This dynamic shaped not only his leadership style but also the overall functioning of the Senate.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of Harry Reid's changes to filibuster rules on current Senate practices.
  • The changes Harry Reid implemented regarding filibuster rules have had lasting impacts on current Senate practices. By lowering the threshold for ending debate on judicial nominations, Reid set a precedent that has been utilized by both parties since then. This shift has intensified the partisanship within the Senate, leading to more frequent use of majority rule to push through appointments and legislation without requiring significant bipartisan support. As a result, Reid's legacy continues to influence how modern senators navigate their legislative agendas amidst an increasingly divided political landscape.

Related terms

Filibuster: A procedural tactic used in the Senate to prolong debate and delay or prevent a vote on a proposal, often requiring a supermajority to overcome.

Cloture: A motion in the Senate aimed at ending a filibuster, which requires the support of at least 60 senators to bring a debate to a close.

Senate Majority Leader: The head of the majority party in the Senate, responsible for setting the legislative agenda and guiding party strategy.