The Filibuster, Part 2
Here’s an example of how the filibuster is broken. Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., has placed a hold on all executive nominations until until certain, ahem, concessions are made to his state. He doesn’t have to to anything other than file the paperwork and the entire system has to stop until a cloture vote is done. And it’s not just one cloture vote that’s needed, it’s one for each nomination.
Bring back the pre-1975 rules. Let Senator Shelby stand on the floor and speak for hours on end. Make him work for his filibuster if he really cares about the people of Alabama. Instead, he’s filed some paperwork and retired back to the comfort of his offices to let the Senate bypass his filibuster.
It’s a waste of Senate time and energy. If none of the Republicans step up against this type of action, then I can’t understand how anyone can support them as “for the people” because clearly they are more concerned with their party than their government and country.
References: http://www.nationaljournal.com/congressdaily/coa_20100205_3373.php