Today’s vote is another unfortunate reminder that the U.S. Senate’s rules remain unworkable and in serious need of reform. It speaks to an inherent disconnect between the public’s appetite for action and the capacity of our legislative institutions' ability to deliver it.
Senate leaders today enacted a bipartisan package of rules changes designed to expedite Senate consideration of legislation and nominations, while failing to advance meaningful filibuster reform.
Today a broad coalition of civil rights groups, labor, and good government organizations sent a letter to U.S. Senator Charles Schumer urging him to support meaningful filibuster reform.
Early in January, the U.S. Senate has a chance to pass rules to curb the endless filibustering that has brought the chamber to a halt. The vote will be close — and we would appreciate it if you would lend your voice to reform.
In January, the newly-convened Senate has the authority to change filibuster rules by a majority vote, according to a letter sent to the Senate today by a group of leading academics and constitutional scholars.
Low congressional productivity in the U.S. Senate stems from a continued abuse of the filibuster, not merely divided government, a new Brennan Center report shows.
