Reforming the Filibuster

[csteggo]

So what is your guys opinion on Reids push to reform the filibuster in some ways. Would it be the worst thing for the Senators to actually have to filibuster vs just threaten to filibuster?

 

[ichy]

I think it would be great if Senators actually had to stand up and talk the whole time like they used to.

While they're at it they should make it impossible to filibuster executive branch nominees.

 

[nehalem256]

I think it would be great if Senators actually had to stand up and talk the whole time like they used to.

This.

 

[monovillage]

It's not broken, don't fix it.

 

[TheVrolok]

I think it would be great if Senators actually had to stand up and talk the whole time like they used to.

Completely agreed. This threaten the filibuster is non-sense.

 

[Ausm]

I think it would be great if Senators actually had to stand up and talk the whole time like they used to.

While they're at it they should make it impossible to filibuster executive branch nominees.

That would put the Republicans out of business.

 

[csteggo]

It's not broken, don't fix it.

The whole point of reforming it is that it is broken. The senate right now cannot pass anything based on the fact that the republicans there have said they will filibuster all appointments and they have threatened to filibuster an unprecedented amount. Which has deadlocked the senate making it a talking point that nothing can get done. I dont care who controls it... This is wrong. I think if you feel strongly enough to filibuster and block the majority that you should have to actually do so... Mr Smith Goes to Washington style. Also then your actually opinion is now logged for constituents reflection.

 

[Jimzz]

I think it would be great if Senators actually had to stand up and talk the whole time like they used to.

While they're at it they should make it impossible to filibuster executive branch nominees.

I would also add federal courts like appeals and supreme to the non-filibuster list. The backlog of some courts is a mess and holding many cases up.


But yea if you want to filibuster then stand up their and run your lips. That way it can be used when you have to run for your seat again either as a good/bad thing.

 

[ichy]

I would also add federal courts like appeals and supreme to the non-filibuster list. The backlog of some courts is a mess and holding many cases up.

Eh, I'm against nonsense like indefinite delays and secret holds for judicial nominations but I'd be ok with a rule that requires a 55 or 60 vote majority in order to confirm a judge. These guys are being appointed for life so I think we should have a system that forces presidents to pick centrist or apolitical judges rather than extremists who they ram through the confirmation process with a simple majority.

 

[ichy]

It's not broken, don't fix it.

It is broken. This notion that 40% of the Senate should be able to block anything is a load of crap.

 

[trenchfoot]

This messing around with filibuster rules is a double edged sword in that ownership roles can be reversed at the whim of the voting public.

The minority Repubs have used the filibuster to great advantage in their highly publicized no-joy attempt at getting rid of Obama after his first term. However, in retaliation, the same could be done to them by the Dems should the Repubs win back the Senate.

Talk of having one of the incoming freshmen Dem senators use a little known procedural rule to mitigate the Repub lockdown of the Senate gives the Dems a temporarily effective bludgeon to shake at the Repubs, but again, the "what goes around comes around" rule applies.

Rumpelstiltskin seems to be lurking there at the Senate eagerly anticipating the call for him to grant someone a backfiring wish.

 

[monovillage]

The whole point of reforming it is that it is broken. The senate right now cannot pass anything based on the fact that the republicans there have said they will filibuster all appointments and they have threatened to filibuster an unprecedented amount. Which has deadlocked the senate making it a talking point that nothing can get done. I dont care who controls it... This is wrong. I think if you feel strongly enough to filibuster and block the majority that you should have to actually do so... Mr Smith Goes to Washington style. Also then your actually opinion is now logged for constituents reflection.

Bullshit, they have no problem at all passing sensible laws or reasonable appointments, the Republicans are trying to stop bad laws from being passed and extremists from being appointed. If the Democrats try to change the rules midstream they're going to get the Government lock-down they deserve.

 

[monovillage]

It is broken. This notion that 40% of the Senate should be able to block anything is a load of crap.

You'll be singing a different tune if/when the Republicans pick up a slight majority in the Senate......... which is a very reasonable assumption.

 

[ichy]

You'll be singing a different tune if/when the Republicans pick up a slight majority in the Senate......... which is a very reasonable assumption.

Letting 41 Senators throw a monkey wrench into the gov't is bad no matter. I'm not advocating ending the filibuster all together but I liked the old system where they had to stand up and talk the whole time. That forces the obstructionist side to choose their battles a little more carefully rather than just saying "No!" to everything.

 

[monovillage]

Letting 41 Senators throw a monkey wrench into the gov't is bad no matter. I'm not advocating ending the filibuster all together but I liked the old system where they had to stand up and talk the whole time. That forces the obstructionist side to choose their battles a little more carefully rather than just saying "No!" to everything.

The Republicans don't say "No" to everything. Lay the majority of the blame at the feet of Majority leader Reid. The Republican Senators are doing what they can to stop bad laws and bad nominations from being passed, it's their job.

 

[dank69]

The Republicans don't say "No" to everything. Lay the majority of the blame at the feet of Majority leader Reid. The Republican Senators are doing what they can to stop bad laws and bad nominations from being passed, it's their job.

Republicans have shown an inability to determine what is or isn't "bad" legislation. It seems like everything they have proposed or done in the last 30 years has been bad.

 

[Moonbeam]

Bullshit, they have no problem at all passing sensible laws or reasonable appointments, the Republicans are trying to stop bad laws from being passed and extremists from being appointed. If the Democrats try to change the rules midstream they're going to get the Government lock-down they deserve.

You are why the filibuster needs to be reformed. There will always be a number of extremist crack pots who believe their own bull shit more than they believe the majority represents progressive change. You are like a dropped anchor on a ship that needs to sail. You are the chimpanzees that vote no to coming down from the trees. In your altered, unscientific, backward, non existent world, good law is bad law and sensible is extreme, and the worst of the Senators of your type are all from states that take in federal funds more than they give because your backward thinking generates hell holes of ignorance and poverty. You stand with the moron party that appoints Senators to the science committee that believe the earth is 9000 years old. Please go fuck yourselves, but somewhere on the side of the road, so we don't have to plow you under like you deserve.

Your altered world view is dead. You just don't know it yet. Try not to be the last person out so you don't get hit in the ass by the door when you leave.

 

[Thump553]

It's not broken, don't fix it.

You do realize that roughly 9% of the American public agrees with your assessment. Congress is a broken, dysfunctional institution and the two major problems are the supereasy filibuster and pocket vetos.

Yes this will come around to bite the Dems when they lose their Senate majority, but frankly a lot more of us are concerned with having a functional effective government. I'll choose country over party every time.

 

[monovillage]

You do realize that roughly 9% of the American public agrees with your assessment. Congress is a broken, dysfunctional institution and the two major problems are the supereasy filibuster and pocket vetos.

Yes this will come around to bite the Dems when they lose their Senate majority, but frankly a lot more of us are concerned with having a functional effective government. I'll choose country over party every time.

Hmmm that 9% number smells like you pulled it out of your butt. No thanks.

 

[Londo_Jowo]

It will never be fixed as the Democrats are afraid it will hurt them should the Republicans regain control of the Senate.

 

[Jaskalas]

Filibuster should be reformed into a simple procedure that allows the minority the right of protest. Something along the lines of giving them extra floor time and ONLY allowing passage of the bill after 2 (approximately) full weeks of debate have continued on that specific item.

It should allow the delay of a bill, not the death of one.

 

[yllus]

Fix the rule. Make them speak constantly.

 

[nehalem256]

Hmmm that 9% number smells like you pulled it out of your butt. No thanks.

It actually sounds like the approval rating of congress.

 

[OneOfTheseDays]

Filibuster should be reformed into a simple procedure that allows the minority the right of protest. Something along the lines of giving them extra floor time and ONLY allowing passage of the bill after 2 (approximately) full weeks of debate have continued on that specific item.

It should allow the delay of a bill, not the death of one.

Amen.

 

[monovillage]

It actually sounds like the approval rating of congress.

I thought we were talking about the Senate?