Senators and witnesses discussed possible changes to Senate rules governing filibusters and extended debate. At issue was the requirement that a 2/3 majority vote was needed to limit debate on an issue and recent filibusters of two judicial nominations. They talked about proposals to change cloture rules for judicial nominations, precedents set by previous rules of debate, and potential ways in which rule changes might be made. Among the issues they addressed were the independence of the Senate, the concept of checks and balances outlined in the Constitution, and potential procedural methods to affect change without passing a resolution.