Subject: Re: Why can't reps pass the CR with only 51 votes
As PF pointed out, the current Senate rules provide for a filibuster for these types of budget votes. So they would have to amend the rules to eliminate the filibuster for budget votes, and then they could pass the budget with a simple majority.

So it's a matter of mere preference, not current law? That is, that there are not certain things that MUST be passed by 60 votes and that can't be passed by 51 by overriding the filibuster rule? Something like: it can only be done X times per Senate session, or X times for type Y legislation per session?