Analysis
Requiring a Vote When Debate Ends
This reform would preserve and strengthen floor debate while preventing senators from using quorum calls routinely to freeze the floor and block the Senate from voting.
How to Move the Senate from Debate to Decision
The Senate does not need to choose between preserving debate and reaching decisions, and restoring a modified previous question motion would help the chamber do both.
How Filling the Amendment Tree Closed the Senate Floor - and How to Fix It
How majority leaders use the amendment tree to close the Senate floor to amendments—and how a simple rule change could reopen the process.
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.
Fixing the Senate by Fixing Its Rules
A four-part rules reform package would address frustrations in both parties and help the Senate deliberate and legislate more effectively.
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.
A Talking Filibuster Doesn’t Guarantee Unlimited Amendments
A detailed guide to how Senate majorities can avoid unlimited amendments in a talking filibuster.
How Republicans Can Break Democrats' SAVE America Act Filibuster
A step-by-step guide to how a determined majority can overcome minority obstruction without abolishing the filibuster.
House Makes Ending Talking Filibuster Easier
This post highlights how the House can make it easier for the Senate to pass legislation.
Republicans Don’t Need Cloture to Overcome SAVE America Act Filibuster
Senate rules provide alternative ways to outlast or outmaneuver a filibuster.
Democrats Can’t Win If They Don’t Try
Senate minorities only gain leverage when they are willing to use the tools available to them.
Republicans Can End Shutdown Without Nuking Filibuster
This piece lays out how existing procedures can be used to move the process forward without nuking the rules.
The Senate’s Shutdown
The article explores how Senate rules shape the timing, leverage, and possible resolution of fiscal brinkmanship.
Senate Rules May Expedite Border Bill
How Senate rules might be used to move a border bill more quickly than many observers expect.
Senate Rules Committee Considers Changing Senate Rules
Efforts to change the rules often reflect politics more than procedure.
Sinema Proposal Risks Nuking Senate Rules
Targeted reforms can have broader consequences than intended.
Types of Senate Holds
A review of the different ways senators use holds to achieve their goals.
