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Dem proposes change to filibuster rules
Senators who want to use a filibusters to block consideration of a bill would have to actually debate the issues on the Senate floor under a "Mr. Smith bill" introduced today by Sen. Frank Lautenberg."Filibusters should happen on Capitol Hill, not from the Capital Grille. If any of my colleagues feel strongly enough about a bill or nomination to stop all work in the Senate, they should have no problem standing on the Senate floor to explain their opposition to the American public," said Lautenberg, D-N.J. It was the Dhimmicrats who first started doing filibusters long distance ... While actor Jimmy Stewart immortalized the filibuster in the film "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," the Senate no longer operates that way. Currently, most Senate business operates on "unanimous consent," where a single member can block the chamber from considering a measure or nomination without stating a reason. To get around an objection, the majority leader wants has to invoke cloture to "end debate," even if the objection has never been stated publicly on the floor. Cloture requires 60 votes, and once granted, several days must pass again before a final vote can occur. Under Lautenberg's bill, the leader could require when making a cloture motion that anyone objecting to a final vote come to the floor and remain there discussing their objection. Once the speaker or speaker gives up the floor, a vote could be held immediately. Daniel Foster at National Review notes: Of course, the rule change would be subject to a 60-vote cloture procedure, and would require 67 votes to pass. Posted by: Mike 2010-03-24 |
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