I've been in the Senate for two years, and while I'm proud of what we've been able to accomplish, I've developed a keen frustration with one thing in particular: the filibuster.
Don't get me wrong: I have a deep respect for the Senate, and I also realize that the winds of political fortune change. But the simple fact is that, in recent years, the filibuster has been used to bring the people's business to a halt in order to score political points -- and I can't stand by and let that happen.
That's why I've introduced a package of proposals, designed to streamline the business of the Senate, that will change how the filibuster works. I want to make sure that any senators who want to hold up the business of the Senate show up and own their obstruction -- instead of making empty threats while keeping our country from moving forward.
We must protect the rights of the minority, but our current system goes too far. I have seen bills that would create jobs and bills that fund supplies for our troops held up for days and weeks while I've worked day and night to help collect the 60 votes needed for cloture.
Meanwhile, the current rules allow the filibustering minority to not even bother to show up. They could be out for a haircut, dinner, or even out of town.
There's a word for that: wrong.
My proposal changes that and forces the minority to show up and own their filibuster by changing the vote requirement for cloture to three-fifths of senators present and voting. If 100 senators are present, 60 votes are required. If 90 senators are present, 54 votes are required, and so on.
It is a commonsense way to protect the minority's rights while allowing us to get on with our job to make America work for the constituents who sent us to Washington. It's a job I take seriously, and it's a job I can do better with this rule change in place.
With the news yesterday that our vote to adopt the rules for the next Congress will most likely happen on January 24, we know we have 20 days to make sure we get organized and take advantage of our best chance to fix the filibuster. Help me use that time to show my colleagues where Americans stand on this critical issue by signing my petition and then inviting at least five of your friends to join our push for reform.
We are moving into what is sure to be a more difficult Congress. We will need you now more than ever, but if we can get this change done, it will be one huge step toward getting work done for the American people.
Follow Sen. Mark Udall on Twitter: www.twitter.com/MarkUdall
I don't expect this comment to be posted as the admins here zap most non-liberal view posts. So much for free speech...
Do you think that its appropriate that when "We the People" elect members of a particular party to a significant majority that the party that is significantly in the minority then be able to stonewall virtually each and everything.
Like others, I'm fine with a 'super majority' vote being required for lifetime appointments and for the ratification of international treaties but now way no how is it appropriate for the minority party to be blocking legislation on a whim just to be obstinate. I totally support each party being limited to three "RELEVANT" amendments to proposed legislation, a requirement that if someone is going to filibuster they must stand on the floor and actually filibuster and an end to secret holds on nominations.
Its time for our representative, particularly the obstructionists to grow up.
It's time to flush the anonymous critics out of the shadows and make them show up and be counted for their convictions. Even better if they are photographed!
These Senators who think they can hold up the Congress from a position of anonymity are no better than vicious online commenters.
Time our nation grew up and put a stop to this nonsense of letting the children drive the bus.
Were it not for the filibuster, members of the Senate would have had to show their faces and record their votes on the "Disclose" act. I would love to have that vote on record.
How does one justify keeping the money under the table, and offering for sale American elections to foreign corporations? How do we know that the mid term election results were not due to foreign intervention in an effort to weaken the U.S.? Thank you Citizens United.
Jesus.