{"id":1234,"date":"2010-04-22T02:29:03","date_gmt":"2010-04-22T09:29:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.politicsplus.org\/blog\/?p=1234"},"modified":"2010-04-22T02:29:03","modified_gmt":"2010-04-22T09:29:03","slug":"action-alert-reform-the-filibuster","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.politicsplus.org\/blog\/2010\/04\/22\/action-alert-reform-the-filibuster\/","title":{"rendered":"Action Alert: Reform the Filibuster"},"content":{"rendered":"

Senator Michael Bennet has introduced filibuster reform legislation.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\"filibuzzard\"<\/a> During the past year I’ve had conversations with thousands of people from all parts of Colorado, and I’ve heard a common refrain: Washington isn’t working. Last week, the obstructionist actions of Republican senator Jim Bunning left no doubt that the people of Colorado are right — Washington is broken, and it’s getting worse.<\/p>\n

The filibuster was originally intended to protect minority rights and encourage meaningful debate on the Senate floor. Today, this important rule is being abused at an unprecedented rate, and it’s grinding the business of the Senate to a standstill.<\/p>\n

That’s why I am introducing new legislation to reform the Senate’s rules — to reform the filibuster in a responsible, practical way. My bill protects minority rights, while allowing the Senate to more efficiently conduct the people’s business and put an end to pointless delays.<\/p>\n

The real problem is that the filibuster is being abused with unprecedented frequency. Individuals and parties are using it to obstruct progress, and the American people are paying the price.<\/p>\n

Here are the specifics of my filibuster reform proposal:<\/p>\n