It's not ncessary. However, 60 votes is the threshhold to preclude a filibuster.
So why didn't they go through a filibuster? Isn't it a good time to show the absurdity of it? Unless both sides are quite comfortable with it, which seems to be the case.
Both sides are more or less confortable with it because each party knows that the majority control of the Seante changes from time to time. Tempting as it is for the present majority party to do away with the filibuster/60 vote rule, its probably not going to happen because one day it will the the minority and then will get all kinds of programs they don't like rammed down their throats.
Very well put, Counselor .
Translation: Partisan politics as usual .
"I got news for you. If it wasn't for the toilet, there would be no books." --- George Costanza.
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