<P> In November 2013 , Senate Democrats led by Harry Reid used the nuclear option to eliminate the 60 - vote rule on executive branch nominations and federal judicial appointments , but not for the Supreme Court . In April 2017 , Senate Republicans led by Mitch McConnell extended the nuclear option to Supreme Court and the nomination of Neil Gorsuch ending the debate . </P>
<P> In November 2013 , Senate Democrats led by Harry Reid used the nuclear option to eliminate the 60 - vote rule on executive branch nominations and federal judicial appointments , but not for the Supreme Court . In April 2017 , Senate Republicans led by Mitch McConnell extended the nuclear option to Supreme Court and the nomination of Neil Gorsuch ending the debate . </P>
who changed the 60 vote rule for supreme court justices
who changed the 60 vote rule for supreme court justices
Senate Democrats led by Harry Reid
Senate Democrats led by Harry Reid