Senate Nears Showdown Over 'Nuclear Option'

This week in the Senate, Majority Leader Harry Reid may use the so-called "nuclear option" to push through stalled presidential nominations.

The option would allow Reid to end filibusters of executive branch nominees with only a majority — 51 votes — rather than 60.

NPR's Charlie Mahtesian explains what that could mean for the future of filibusters and the minority party.