Notes on Different Newspaper Articles

1. Filibuster creates gridlock: * http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-250_162-57560538/the-filibuster-fight-same-story-roles-reversed/ -- Article in December 2012 * In recent years, the number of filibusters has risen dramatically. According to the Democrats, Republicans launched more than 385 filibusters (that forced cloture votes) since 2007. That's compared to only 49 cloture votes from 1919 to 1970. After 1970, the number started to rise - perhaps prompting the 1975 rule change - until the number really jumped in the mid-2000s. * The major change of the filibuster in 1975 sets the threshold to route a filibuster lower from 67 lawmakers to 60. * Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid states: the Senate "is not working as it should" because of the number of filibusters. He proposes a rule change that would mean he could overcome a filibuster when trying to bring a bill to the floor with the simple majority, or 51 senators, instead of 60 (the Democrats will have 55 seats in the Senate in the next Congress). Another Reid proposal would mandate that filibustering senators would have to be physically present to maintain a Senate blockade. * Same issue in 2005 when the Republicans had majority rule, Democrats heavy use of filibuster including Republicans not being able to pass President George W. Bush's judicial nominees because of Democratic-led filibusters * Good quotes to show the change in views when having majority rule: * The Republicans then (Majority): * "Despite the incredulous protestations of our Democratic colleagues, the Senate has repeatedly adjusted its rules as circumstances dictate." -Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., May 23, 2005. * "All of you know that we're struggling right now with an assault on over 220 years of Senate tradition by the Democrats filibustering circuit court nominees, thus denying us the reasonable responsibility of an up-or-down vote to give advice and consent." -Sen. Bill