Analysis
Daines-Merkley Rules Reform Analysis
Senators Steve Daines and Jeff Merkley propose sweeping changes to Senate rules to expedite bipartisan legislation, strengthen committees, and increase amendment votes. But their reforms would also limit debate and restrict individual senators’ ability to offer amendments, shifting power from the full Senate to a subset of its members.
The Senate’s Cloture Cop-Out
Republican leaders say the Senate cannot debate the SAVE America Act because they lack the votes to invoke cloture, but cloture is not the only way to overcome obstruction. The Senate’s history shows that when senators believe Rule XXII prevents them from acting, they can either force opponents to hold the floor or try to change the rule.
Limiting Debate on the Motion to Proceed
A package of Senate rules reforms would make the chamber more deliberative and productive, beginning with a proposal to limit debate on the motion to proceed so the Senate can actually get to legislation.
A Senate Rules Reform Package: Empowering Senators to Participate in Debate, Offer Amendments, and Cast Up-or-Down Votes
Four rules changes that will help senators debate more, amend more, and vote more.