Category: Filibuster

I have really good news on filibuster reform. First, Senator Casey has announced his support for the filibuster reform package introduced by Senators Udall, Harkin, and Merkley. Second, it looks like serious reform is on the way. Majority Leader Harry Reid has taken advantage of the rules to draw out the first “legislative day” for a few weeks to build support. But we are hearing growing optimism on the part of reform minded Democrats. Thank Senator Casey and each other! We’re very grateful for Senator Casey’s support. And I want to thank all of you who signed our petition to Senator Casey. After meeting, along with Common Cause, SEIU, CWA, and the Steelworkers, with his legislative director, we thought Senator Casey was leaning in our direction. But it was just hours after I forwarded the list of signers of the petition to the Senator’s office that I received word that… Continue reading

In the last few years, two features of our political system have done more to stand in the way of progressive public policy than any other. The first is the role of corporate money in our politics. The second is the filibuster—which requires supporters of legislation to find not a majority of 51 but a super majority of 60 to pass legislation in the Senate. Given the Citizens United decision by the Supreme Court, fixing the first problem is difficult. It is made much more difficult by the second problem But on Wednesday, January 5, Senate Democrats may step forward and try to reform the filibuster. If they do, vote on filibuster reform will be the most important vote the Senate takes in the next two years. That’s why it is critical for you to sign a petition, today, to tell Senator Casey to suppor efforts to reform the filibuster.… Continue reading