It’s crunch time.
As early as Monday, January 24th, the Senate will take up Senate Resolution 10, a proposal to change its rules so that a simple majority of members can pass legislation and individual senators can no longer hold up key bills or nominations.
It’s real rules reform. And it has an excellent chance of passing.
It’s time for every CWA member to call their senators and support the proposal sponsored by Sens. Tom Harkin, Jeff Merkley and Tom Udall to reform the Senate. If you haven’t dialed up your senators, call the Capitol switchboard at 877-851-3674. If you’ve already called, call again!
The proposed reforms would:
- Eliminate the filibuster on Motions to Proceed.
- End secret holds.
- Guarantee consideration of amendments from both parties.
- Require continuing debate to maintain a filibuster (a “talking filibuster”).
- Expedite nominations by limiting post-cloture debate to two hours.
CWA is leading a coalition of more than 50 organizations representing labor, the environmental movement, the civil and human rights community, faith-based organizations, disability advocates and women’s groups that are pushing for the change. The groups have delivered an open letter to Senators expressing their concern and calling for rules changes that would end partisan obstruction and encourage transparency and accountability. In addition, CWA has noted that it will include senators’ votes on rules reform as part of its annual scorecard.
Action Summary
Call 877-851-3674 and tell your senators we need rules reform now! For more information, please visit www.fixthesenatenow.org.