We Must Stand Strong on Filibuster Reform
Earlier this week, Senate Rules Committee Chairman Chuck Schumer and that committee's ranking Republican, Lamar Alexander, created a rules reform proposal designed to garner bipartisan support. But the three Senators -- Udall, Merkley, and Harkin -- who proposed comprehensive changes to Senate rules earlier this month, continue to advocate for stronger reforms.
The Schumer-Alexander proposal doesn't go far enough, according to Udall spokeswoman, Marissa Padilla. She explained: "Senator Udall and others are still advocating for the strongest package that can be put forward. That is still the goal. There is no doubt that rules reform is a heavy lift but they are in it for the long haul, trying to make the Senate more transparent and efficient in how it operates."
Below are quotations from leading organizations involved in the coalition, calling on the Senate to ensure that the rules reform package addresses the true sources of Senate dysfunction:
Communications Workers of America (CWA)
The Communications Workers of America strongly supports comprehensive Senate and filibuster rules reform that will make the Senate more transparent and accountable and allow for deliberation and debate. We support the common sense reforms of Senate Resolution 10 proposed by Senators Harkin, Merkley and Udall and supported by at least 23 of their Senate colleagues.
What we saw in the 111th Senate was a shocking manipulation and abuse of rules. Reforms that would help working men and women were never allowed to come up for debate on the Senate floor. The Employee Free Choice Act, the Fair Pay Act, the Dream Act, and comprehensive climate legislation, among other measures, would have made real improvements in the lives of American families, but were never even discussed by the Senate. There were more than 400 bills that passed the House of Representatives that never had a hearing on the Senate floor.
That’s why common sense reforms are necessary. The Senate rules should be changed to eliminate filibusters on the motion to proceed, so that there can be real, bi-partisan debate. Those who want to filibuster should make a public stand and be accountable for their positions. And post cloture debate should be limited on nominations, so that our government can function and carry out the responsibilities that public officials are elected to fulfill. These reforms are necessary if the Senate is going to do the work the American people expect. The American people deserve nothing less.”
Alliance for Justice President Nan Aron
Alliance for Justice strongly supports common-sense reforms to the rules of the United States Senate that would help break the recent pattern of inaction and obstruction. The proposals, for example, from Senators Harkin, Merkley, and Udall would be particularly valuable in preventing nominations to the federal judiciary from being held hostage to the kinds of delaying tactics that have created a crisis in the federal courts. We urge Senators of both parties to commit to adopt true rules reform that will enable the Senate to function in the spirit of civility, accountability, and comity that the American people expect and deserve.
Common Cause President Bob Edgar
Filibuster abuse by both parties has made the Senate a symbol of governmental dysfunction. Common Cause believes the reforms advanced by Sens. Harkin, Merkley, and Udall are a good start at fixing the problem, letting the majority work its will while respecting the right of the minority to be fully heard and giving the minority the leverage it needs to influence legislation. We urge Senate leaders to seize this opportunity to make meaningful, positive changes in the way the Senate conducts its business.
Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune
Ending gridlock in the Senate must be a priority to get America working and Americans back to work. The Senate is hamstrung by archaic rules that stand in the way of a clean energy economy and innovation. We need to fix the Senate now.
USAction Director of Policy and Strategic Planning Alan Charney
The Republicans have filibustered at least 259 times in the last four years – without even having to show up on the floor to do so. It is time to end the misuse of the filibuster as an obstructionist tactic and pass some sensible rules reform so that the Senate can work again.
