Senators Lyndon Baines Johnson and Harry Reid have each served as Majority Leader for six years. During their tenures, then-Senator Johnson faced one filibuster while Senator Reid has faced 413. (Official Senate Records)

At the current rate, President Obama will face more filibusters on Executive Branch nominees than every other American president combined. (People for the American Way, 7/10/13)

Before President Obama took office, there had been a total of 20 filibusters on executive nominations in the entire history of the United States, from George Washington to George W. Bush. (CRS)

Since President Obama took office, there have been 16 filibusters. At this rate, there will be nearly 30 by the end of his second term. (Projection by People for the American Way, 7/10/13)

Executive nominees who are ready to be confirmed by the Senate have been pending an average of 260 days – more than 8 months – since they were first nominated. (Compiled by Office of Senator Reid based on publicly available dates of nominations)

For centuries, a President’s nominees received simple up-or-down votes in the Senate, except in extraordinary circumstances. (CRS)

The change contemplated by Senate Democrats would simply restore the Senate’s long tradition of delivering simple up-or-down votes for Executive nominees. Senators would still be free to debate and vote against nominations they oppose.

The Senate has changed its procedures by a simple majority vote 18 times since 1977, an average of once every other year. (Compiled by Office of Senator Merkley based on Congressional Record, 7/11/13)

Senate Republicans are not arguing that the nominees in question are unqualified. Rather, they are trying to change laws and dismantle departments through the use of obstruction as a tactic.

Sen. Graham: “Given its recent actions, the NLRB as inoperable could be considered progress.” (Press Release, 12/9/11)

Sen. Rubio: “We made clear to the President that without these reforms we would not vote to confirm any nominee to run the CFPB, regardless of political affiliation or qualifications.” (Floor Speech, 12/8/11)

Sen. Hatch: “My opposition to Richard Cordray’s nomination has nothing to do with him personally, but rather to the lack of accountability of the position and the new agency as it’s currently structured.” (Press Release, 12/8/11)

The number one reason Americans are critical of Congress is “gridlock.” The second reason: “not getting anything done.” (Gallup, 6/12/13)