To: The United States Senate

Fix the filibuster

Change the filibuster rules by requiring that Senators who wish to filibuster legislation actually have to take and hold the Senate floor. Also, prohibit filibusters on procedural motions and permit them only when the bill goes to the Senate floor.

Why is this important?

Over the past four years, Senate Republicans have made it almost impossible to pass any significant legislation unless it has a supermajority of 60 votes. That's because Senate rules allow them to filibuster a bill without even having to take to the floor, as was required in the past. In addition, they have routinely used the filibuster on procedural votes. The Senate can change these rules when it convenes in January.