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Thursday, May 17, 2012 | 2 a.m.
As Nevada state coordinator for No Labels, a nonpartisan organization working to break hyperpartisan gridlock in Washington, I’d like to thank Sen. Harry Reid for calling for filibuster reform.
The purpose of the filibuster is to prevent the majority party in the Senate from forcing its agenda. In the 1960s, it was used an average of seven times a year. Now the average use per Senate term is more than 100. It used to be a senator had to be present and speak. Now all it requires is a notice of intent.
No Labels considers the filibuster one of the major causes of gridlock and recommends returning to the requirement of being present and speaking, along with not allowing a filibuster on motions to proceed, bringing a bill to the floor for debate.
To reform the filibuster, the Senate needs to change its rules. As the majority leader, Sen. Reid can make this happen.
Goodmen says "The purpose of the filibuster is to prevent the majority party in the Senate from forcing its agenda."
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But now that Reid has the majority it is time to get rid of the filibuster which protects the minority
Classic intimidation by Reid and Democrats
Shssssss....I will tell you a little secret.
Reid has made record use this tactic called, "Filling the amendments tree".
It is where he uses his power as majority leader and files so many bogus amendments that nobody else can file an amendment.
That leaves the only recourse for the Republicans to do is to filibuster.
Cause...... and...... effect......
Senator Reid is right but long overdue. Perhaps even too late now. The die is cast and the damage is done. Gridlock rules and I don't see a change coming until Nov 2o12. Still 6 months is not too long to wait for progress. Not after 3 plus years of dismal disappointment.
Carmine A. DiFazio
"No Labels considers the filibuster one of the major causes of gridlock and recommends returning to the requirement of being present and speaking, along with not allowing a filibuster on motions to proceed, bringing a bill to the floor for debate."
I agree. Make them talk on the floor of the Senate instead of giving interviews on cable news.
Too little,too Late; Harry: LBJ your not !
Unbelievable, Harry "filibuster" Reid had no problem with this tactic when his party was in the minority. Now, that the Republicans are the minority and fight fire with fire the Democrats scream that we need "reform". And you can bet if the Democrats become the minority party again, talk of reform will be out the window. The Democrats are famous for these types of flip-flops.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424...
There is no doubt at all. Since the election of Obama the Republican party has abused the filibuster. That is a fact.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/ezra-kl...