Senate Democrats eye talking filibuster

Senate Democrats are eyeing trying to change the Senate's rules to shift to a talking filibuster, which would get rid of the 60-vote hurdle currently required to advance most legislation.

Sen. Dick Durbin (Ill.), the No. 2 Senate Democrat, cautioned that Democrats would continue their discussions during a caucus meeting set for 5 p.m. on Tuesday, but said the caucus is moving toward trying to implement the talking filibuster.

The move would let opponents delay a bill for as long as they could hold the floor, but after that it could pass with a simple majority.

"It's more of a talking filibuster. ... This is being discussed. It's going to be solidified this evening," Durbin told reporters.

Durbin confirmed that moving to a talking filibuster would get rid of the 60-vote hurdle currently needed to advance legislation through the Senate, adding that "you have to do that, or you don't accomplish your goal."