When I wrote about the possibility of filibustering New START the other day, I explained the privilege given to treaty consideration this way:
. . .The Post story gives the impression that Republicans are putting up procedural roadblocks preventing even an up-or-down vote on the treaty. But consider that New START sits atop the Senate’s Executive Calendar, meaning that per Senate rules Harry Reid can bring it to the floor at any time, without debate. Sure, once the treaty is on the Senate floor it is subject the usual procedural hurdles, including filibuster. But since treaties require a two-thirds majority for ratification anyway, the filibuster is redundant.
I’ve made some phone calls and confirmed that this is still basically right. But Senator DeMint seems to understand this. If there are 67 votes for ratification of New START, then they’ll get the treaty, filibuster or no. What DeMint seems to be suggesting is that he will not make it easy. Once they’ve brought the bill to the floor, proponents of New START will still need cloture votes to limit amendments, to cut off debate, and so forth, and each will take big slices of time from a limited lame-duck budget. He could drag this out for a week, or more, if he chooses.