Senate Leaders Reach Agreement on Filibusters

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate leaders say they have agreed to steps to limit use of some filibusters, allow more amendments and take other steps to reduce partisan tactics that often slow business to a crawl.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Republican leader Mitch McConnell say they have also agreed to promote legislation that would reduce by a third the number of presidential appointments that require Senate confirmations. Carrying out this advice and consent role often takes the Senate months, or even years, to achieve.

The gentleman's agreement between the two came as the Senate prepared to reject stronger proposals to restrict the rights of the minority to filibuster legislation.