The Senate’s impasse over the SAVE America Act shows that gridlock is caused less by the filibuster than by senators’ unwillingness to bear the costs of legislating. Republicans are not forcing Democrats to sustain their opposition, while Democrats are not required to obstruct—leaving bipartisan inaction to masquerade as minority veto.

The Senate has no single way of considering legislation. The Republican debate over the SAVE America Act reflects a larger choice among collegial, majoritarian, and structured-consent approaches to debate, amendments, and decision-making.

The Senate’s growing reliance on cloture does not prove that major legislation cannot pass without 60 votes. It shows instead leaders’ reliance on cloture to manage debate, block unwanted amendments, and avoid difficult votes.

Has the Senate always relied on cloture to overcome obstruction and pass legislation? The historical record says no.

This piece explains why moving a minibus through the Senate often depends less on raw majority power than on unanimous consent.

A straightforward guide to the principal leadership positions in the Senate Republican conference and what each one does. It helps readers understand how party leadership operates behind the scenes.