U.S. Constitution question

[veronica_rich]

Would somebody who's a better scholar than I please point me to the section in the federal Constitution where a supermajority vote to pass legislation is required in any instance other than that following a presidential veto?

I keep hearing a simple majority vote in the Senate and House - referred to now as "reconciliation" (I haven't heard that word in 16 years of being a reporter, regarding taking a vote, and I've covered Congressional legislation) - isn't legal. This runs counter to what I remember learning in school. It's been 20 years since I was in school - would somebody please point me to what I've forgotten or missed?

Thanks!

Comments

[veronica-rich.livejournal.com]

OK, so the whole filibuster procedure is where I was falling down on understanding for this one. (It seems like it's used all the damn time anymore - then again, when you're the party who just likes saying "no" for no's sake, as modern Congressional Republications seem to be, it's sort of hard to tell when you have a sincere gripe against impending legislation, and when you're just playing games because you can.)

[virginia-fell.livejournal.com]

They'd filibuster less if it actually required them to do anything annoying. As it is, it's just a far more obnoxious way of tabling a piece of legislation indefinitely.

[a-silver-rose.livejournal.com]

I didn't think the Republicans were saying "No" for no's sake. I thought they were doing it because their guy lost. Not that the Democrats would do any different in this day and age. It seems like too many people are against one thing or the other because of the messenger rather than the message. *shrugs*