So - did the Senate change the filibuster rules today?

Or was that just a bunch of noise and smoke?

...legislative day, during which the rules may be changed, and the first calendar day, are different critters. Rule changes may not receive a vote till much later in the month. I've heard the 24th tossed around.

the *only* day that the Senate rules could be changed.

change may not happen till the 24th if it happens at all.

came up.

It is not going to happen because the Dems would be screwed if they lose the Senate.

Sonoman

as in reforms

http://www.ktvz.com/news/26379932/detail.html

They did not vote on it, but they were already introduced.

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/01/05/senate.filibuster.changes/

Typically, a Senate rule change requires a super majority of 67 yes votes, something that will be difficult for Democrats, with their narrow 53-seat majority, to achieve. However, on the first legislative day of a new Congress, a simple majority of senators, just 51 votes, can approve new rules.

SNIP

Because negotiations need time to play out, Senate leaders won't adjourn after Wednesday's session, during which new members will be sworn in.

Instead, the technical "legislative day" will be extended through at least January 24, when senators return from a two-week break. Doing so will allow Democrats to preserve their ability to pass the reforms with just 51 votes if negotiations break down.

SNIP