July 29, 2010

The Senate vs Almost Every Other Democratic Body on Earth

It was good to see Senator Durbin consider the idea of filibuster reform this week.  While I’m not running for the Senate, anyone who’s interested in a functioning government should see the current gridlock in the Senate due to the overuse of the filibuster as intolerable. 

The filibuster, which was originally used to ensure unlimited debate is now routinely used to delay the consideration of important legislation.  While Republican overuse in this Congress has brought Senate gridlock to new heights, the use of the filibuster has been on the rise for a long time by both parties. 

Having a 60 vote requirement in a body where it is extremely rare for either party to ever actually have 60 votes is a recipe for inaction and does nothing to serve the American people.  Congressional majorities – Democrat or Republican should be able to bring their legislation to the floor and give it an up or down vote. 

The U.S. House operates by majority rule, as does the Australian Parliament, the Naperville City Council, the Ohio University Undergraduate Student Senate, the Washakie County Wyoming School Board, the American Mustache Institute, the Kansas City Organization of Recyclers, and OrigamiUSA.  The US Supreme Court interprets the meaning of the constitution with a simple majority vote.  The Senate can and should operate the same way as all other Democratic institutions. 

Filibuster reform isn’t an issue that gets as much press and attention as it deserves.  There’s not much of a pro-filibuster lobby.  Senators that support it won’t be getting visits from lobbyists or checks from corporate PACs.  In fact you can expect a lot of opposition from the corporate community.  Right now they know that if they spend enough money to persuade 41 senators to oppose something it can be blocked.  Increasing that number to 51 will cost them money and they’ll oppose it. 

I hope Senator Durbin continues to support filibuster reform, and I would encourage people to contact his office and let him know that they support it too.        

Sincerely,

Candidate for U.S. House, IL-13