Regarding the Jan. 4 editorial “Reform filibuster with care”: The Constitution says, “Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings.” The start of every new session of Congress is the best time to do this. Rules should be set before any game begins.
Though the Senate averaged approximately one filibuster per year until 1970, senators in the past two sessions have used this tactic roughly 70 times per year.
Senators blocking debate on legislation do not have to hold the floor — or even show up — to carry out their filibusters.
If a senator wants to filibuster a piece of legislation, it should be like in the movie “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”: s/he should have to take the floor and defend his/her position.
Senate rules give a single senator the power to require 30 hours debate on a nomination after that nominee has already received enough votes to be confirmed. Pointless delay! Once a nominee has received enough votes for confirmation, the debate should end.
Rick Bligh
Marysville
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