Dear Ms. Beinlich:
Thank you for contacting me to voice your concerns
regarding S.Res. 138, Senator Frist's resolution to amend Rule 22,
which governs the filibuster. I appreciate the time you have taken
to share your views with me, and I welcome the opportunity to
respond.
The filibuster, which allows a single senator to block a vote
by prolonging debate indefinitely, has long played a significant
role in the American system of government. Unlimited debate goes
back to the origins of the Senate, which was designed as the more
deliberative chamber of Congress. Not until 1917 was a rule (Rule
22) instituted to put some restraints on debate; a `two-thirds` vote
could cut it off. In 1975, the requirement was changed to three-
fifths of the Senate, or 60 senators - regardless of how many are
present.
As you mentioned in your letter, Senator Frist's proposal
would gradually lower the threshold required to break a filibuster
on executive nominations. Currently, it takes 60 votes to end a
filibuster. This resolution would lower the number of votes needed
to 57 on the second cloture motion, 54 on the third cloture motion
and 51 on the fourth cloture motion. At this point, the debate on
the nomination would end and a confirmation vote would be taken.
I am not a big supporter of the filibuster in general. But I
do believe that if it is going to be used it should be reserved for
issues of the greatest national significance, not abused for political
reasons. The recent filibusters are unfair to the President's judicial
nominees and bad for the country. Worst of all, they are poisoning
the well of the Senate at a time when we should be working
together to get things done on behalf of the nation's security,
health care and jobs.
I support Senator Frist in his efforts. I believe this is a
reasonable manner in which to amend the filibuster procedure so
that it can no longer be abused.
Again, thank you for contacting me. If I may be of further
assistance, please don't hesitate to call or write.
Thank you for your email. To contact me on this or any other subject,
please go
to http://talent.senate.gov/Contact/default.cfm
Sincerely,
Senator Jim Talent