Since Democrats took over control of the Senate in 2006, Republican abuse of the filibuster has skyrocketed. In 2011-2012, there were more than 400 filibusters. Important progressive goals like a health care public option, immigration reform, climate change legislation and the Employee Free Choice act have all been stopped by the filibuster. It's not right for a minority to be able to gum up the works, without even having to explain why. Senators Merkley and Udall want to change the rules and fix the filibuster, and at least require a Senator to hold the floor and explain why they're blocking movement on legislation. Just like Jimmy Stewart in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Already, at least 48 Senators support the plan, which only needs a simple majority to pass. But California Senators Feinstein and Boxer are standing in the way. Californians deserve a Senate that works, that can address our nation's problems. California's Senators must support the Merkley/Udall plan to fix the filibuster.

This is an idea that we should address. For too long we have been too complacent about the workings of Congress. Many citizens had no idea that members of Congress could retire with the same pay after only one term, that they specifically exempted themselves from many of the laws they have passed (such as being exempt from any fear of prosecution for sexual harassment) while ordinary citizens must live under those laws. The latest is to exempt themselves from the Healthcare Reform... in all of its forms. Also, their children do not have to repay their college loans. What a racket. Somehow, that doesn't seem logical. We do not have an elite that is above the law. I truly don't care if they are Democrat, Republican, Independent or whatever. The self-serving must stop.

This amendment is design to restore to both h houses of congress the original frame work that founding fathers intended when they created the constitution. That is; "working" representatives who do the nation's business when in D.C. and then return to their jobs after they've conducted their duly elected obligations to the nation

Congress has exempted themselves from sexual harassment laws and the recently adopted healthcare reform, just to name a few.

Public Service within our Democratic Process was never intended to become a lifetime career beholden to the fat cats who keep returning them to office. Never before in American History has the need for Term Limit legislation been more obvious. Let Grassroots America take back Democracy.

If you are like me, you have watched in horror as After more than Senate Democrats delayed passing rules changes that would demand the Republicans filibuster in person. Now, a proposal is being floated that does NOT demand the a republican continuously talk in order to maintain a filibuster.

The US of A has not had a budget passed since 2001. It is time that the people of America demand that this do-nothing Government is held accountable.

In most bills that are passed, there are "pork barrel's" attached e.g "the road to nowhere", the airport in Pa. that's never used. Ultimately those are wasted tax dollars. Bills should be stand alone, with no attachments.

Superstorm Sandy victims are still out in the cold while GOP Congress plays the blame game and points fingers. We need a goverment that works for the people of this country and not for themselves and the wealthy lobbyist/interest groups. Natural Disasters are just that disasters, and people who are affected by disasters usually have to deal with loss of homes & property not to mention the loss of life of family & loved ones. Why should they be punished further by indifferent politicians lobbying for "unrelated special interests funds" that obstructs the speedy recovery efforts for disaster victims? Please sign my petition to ban politicians "PORK" from obstructing emergency help to disaster victims.

Members of Congress have embedded themselves and are more interested in protecting

Before congress starts discussions on "overhauling" the social security and medicare plans they should be required to first start with reducing their pension and healthcare plans.

Congress has set itself above many laws that apply to all of us in order to provide the members with undtold benefits re. health insurance, salaries, pensions, insider trading rights and many other benefits without regard to length of service, accomplishments and work ethics. An independent commission needs to investigate and report on these to a largely unknowing public. The resulting outcry should bring reform.