is particularly unclear for two presidential nominees . Harry Reid ` ` cautiously optimistic '' Patricia Kennedy will be nominated for D.C. appeals court . Republicans may consider ` ` nuclear option '' if GOP senators block it . ` so they can have their judges pass legislation they can never get through the Congress , '' said Sen. Orin Hatch , R-Utah . ` Nuclear option '' is a rules change that would bar filibuster for presidential appointees .
is particularly unclear for two presidential nominees . Harry Reid ` ` cautiously optimistic '' Patricia Kennedy will be nominated for D.C. appeals court . Republicans may consider ` ` nuclear option '' if GOP senators block it . ` ` Nuclear option '' is a rules change that would bar filibuster for presidential appointees .