Ever wonder why nothing gets done in Congress?
With today's filibuster, an individual Senator can block discussion of any issue without having to stand on the Senate floor and explain why. Legislation is stopped before it has a chance.
A new session of the Senate has begun. When Congress returns to work after the Inauguration, we need our Senators to vote for new rules that protect the voice of the minority, while reducing the opportunity for frivolous delay of legislation and nominations.
Senate Resolution 4 updates the Senate rules, replacing the current "silent" filibuster with the "talking" filibuster.
Senators can still object to legislation, but they must publicly defend their views. The resolution also streamlines the process for approving executive branch and judicial nominations.
We only have until
January 20! Tell your Senators to co-sponsor Senate Resolution 4 to end the silent filibuster so we can make progress on the issues facing our country.Dear Senator,
As the new Congress begins, it is time for the Senate to pass Senate Resolution 4, a common-sense package of rules and reforms to end routine obstruction and ensure that the Senate will once again be able to address the critical issues facing our country.
[Your comments will be inserted here.]
Senate Resolution 4 would:
* Eliminate the Filibuster on Motions to Proceed: Clears a path to debate by making motions to proceed not subject to a filibuster, but providing two hours of debate.
* Require a Talking Filibuster: Forces Senators who filibuster to actually speak on the floor, greatly increasing public accountability and requiring time and energy if the minority wants to use this tool to obstruct the Senate.
* Expedite Nominations: Reduces post-cloture debate on nominations from 30 hours to 2 hours, except for Supreme Court Justices (for whom the current 30 hours would remain intact).
* Eliminate the Filibuster on Motions to Establish a Conference Committee: Reduces the steps to establish a conference committee from three motions to one, and limits debate on the consolidated motion to 2 hours.
As your constituent, I am asking you to please co-sponsor this important resolution.
