ICYMI: NYT Backs Udall's Filibuster Reform Efforts
Today, The New York Times once again supported U.S. Sen. Tom Udall's efforts to end Senate gridlock and filibuster abuse in its editorial, "A Chance to Fix the Senate."
Read the full editorial here.
"For six years, Democrats in the Senate have chafed at an unprecedented abuse of the filibuster by Republicans, who have used the practice to hold up nominees high and low and require a supermajority for virtually every bill. But now that they finally have an opportunity to end much of this delay and abuse, Democrats are instead considering only a few half-measures...
"That would squander a moment for change. Supermajorities were never intended to be a routine legislative barrier; they should be reserved for the most momentous bills, and the best way to make that happen is to require that objectors work hard for their filibuster, assembling a like-minded coalition and being forthright about their concerns rather than hiding in the shadows or holding up a bill with an e-mailed note...
"A faster-moving Senate would be useful, but that should not be the only goal. The best way to end the Senate's sorry history of inaction is to end the silent filibuster, forcing lawmakers to explain themselves if they want to block legislation supported by the majority."
Read previous editorials by The New York Times on filibuster reform here, here and here.
