Senate Democrats Threaten To Reignite Filibuster Reform
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2013/03/jeff-merkley-calls-for-reigniting-filibuster-reform.phpThe Senates leading champion of filibuster reform called for renewing the effort to weaken the minoritys obstruction power, concluding that a modest rules change enacted in January has failed to discourage Republicans from grinding the chamber to a halt.
In an interview on Wednesday afternoon, Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), the author of a proposal to place more of the burden of sustaining a filibuster on the minority party, including forcing filibustering senators to speak on the floor, echoed remarks by Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) earlier in the day about the need to revisit filibuster reform.
Senate Republicans have demonstrated that they have absolutely no intention of ending their assault on the ability of the U.S. Senate to function, Merkley told TPM, saying he had hoped the bipartisan rules change would ease gridlock. Many of my colleagues are absolutely beside themselves with frustration, and that frustration is rapidly turning to fury.
Senate Republicans have unleashed a string of filibusters since the rules reform deal, which did not change the 60-vote threshold, and was enacted in January. They include the first-ever filibuster of a secretary of defense nominee (Chuck Hagel), a letter by 43 senators vowing to filibuster any nominee to lead the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the filibuster of a bill to avoid sequestration, and the filibuster of judicial nominee Caitlin Halligan. It was the Halligan filibuster Wednesday morning that set off Durbin and Merkley.
I know that my leadership is incredibly determined to make this body work, Merkley said, adding that the Senate GOPs unacceptable conduct .. in such a short period shows that they have no interest in enabling the Senate to function. He cited earlier remarks by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), and Wednesdays comments by Durbin on the floor, that if the January deal failed to ease gridlock, Democrats would reconsider rules reform.
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jeff47
(26,549 posts)meadowlark5
(2,795 posts)I thought I read that somewhere. The new congress had 30 days to change the filibuster with a 51 vote. Now that window of opportunity has passed and they would need 60 votes to change it. And we all know how well this super majority thing is working for us
Anyone know if this is true? I keep hearing rumblings about changing the filibuster again but I read about the 60 vote thing and wonder if this filibuster talk is all talk and obviously no action.
NYtoBush-Drop Dead
(490 posts)And reform! Make those arseholes stand up like Spawn Paul and spew. Great advertising footage as well. These baggers love the constitution? The constitution calls for a majority to pass bills not a super majority. If they're going to filibuster make them stand up and do it or stand down!
Midnight Writer
(21,803 posts)The argument I hear most against changing the filibuster is this. What will happen if the Democrats are in the minority and need to block a radical Republican agenda?
The Republicans will simply change the rules themselves and the Democrats will be screwed (again).
The evidence lies in the Republican's own record; The exploding number of Republican filibusters to block the President's nominations, to block economic progress, to protect corporate interests. Mitch McConnel even filibustered his own bill.
They have shown time and time again that they will exploit the rules for the slightest advantage (or even to damage their own party brand).
Is there any doubt that THEY will change the rules to their advantage if given the chance.
4dsc
(5,787 posts)Sick and tired of the same old weak democratic party leadership.