[Tommy]

As I recall, the "nuclear option" as it applies to this discussion regarded the Senate rule requiring 60 votes to stop debate. As it is just a rule, the majority of the Senate could change it any time they want. The problem is that neither side wants to change the rule and risk being on the wrong end of a bunch of 51-49 votes in future years. As noted before, the Republicans threatened to use it regarding some judicial appointments, but they backed down. Some Democrats are talking about doing it this time, but I doubt that they will. I suspect that large numbers of Senators on both sides would oppose changing that rule.