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.
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.
Parliamentarians Advise, Senators Decide
The parliamentarian’s influence is significant, but the Senate’s rules are ultimately determined by senators themselves.
Sinema Proposal Risks Nuking Senate Rules
Targeted reforms can have broader consequences than intended.
A Talking Filibuster Strategy
This piece explains how Democrats could have used existing Senate rules to force a real talking filibuster on voting-rights legislation.
The Rules Aren't The Problem
Democrats could have already voted to begin debate on the voting rights bill if they spent less time complaining about the Senate’s rules and more time using them to achieve their goals.
A Concise Guide to the Senate's Rules
Senate procedure is shaped by rules, precedents, and how senators apply them.
Latest Impeachment Effort Not Possible Under Rules
Not every political demand fits within the rules that govern Congress.
