Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley claims victory as Senate steps away from filibuster fight

Oregonian:

U.S. senators stepped back from an uncertain legislative abyss Tuesday, reaching an agreement that led Democrats to drop a threat on changing filibuster procedures and Republicans to help move several of President Barack Obama's nominees toward confirmation. The deal left current filibuster procedures in place. But Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley, a leading critic of the filibuster's role in what he called deep dysfunction of Congress, joined Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., in declaring victory. "Now we have a very significant moment, really a milestone, of restoring the functionality of the Senate," Merkley told reporters.

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