NM Senator Tom Udall Introduces Legislation That Could End The Filibuster

New Mexico Senator Tom Udall would like the Senate to vote on the filibuster, taking a majority vote on whether it stays or goes. (h/t Think Progress)

“We, as elected representatives, have a duty to our constituents. But partisan rancor and the Senate’s own incapacitating rules often prevent us from fulfilling that duty,” Udall said in his remarks on the floor of the Senate. “While I am convinced that our inability to function is our own fault, we have the authority within the Constitution to act.”

Udall said he was moved to act because of the large number of filibusters and the increase in cloture votes; in the 112th Congress, there were 112 uses of the filibuster, Udall claims.

Part of the resolution reads:

Resolved, That upon the expiration of the Standing Rules of the Senate at the Sine Die Adjournment of the 111th Congress, the Senate shall proceed in accordance with article I, section 5 of the Constitution to determine the Rules of its Proceedings by a simple majority vote.

By: Alan

Alan Colmes is the publisher of Liberaland.