Senate should adjust filibuster rules (Rep. Jim McDermott)

I firmly believe that this is not a partisan issue—I think the filibuster is no more democratic when used by a member of my own party. I’ve spent much of my career in the minority and know how frustrating that can be. But an individual Senator or the minority party shouldn’t have the power to derail the entire legislative process.

Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) recently announced that he’ll be introducing legislation to change the filibuster rule, and I want to thank him for his leadership on this issue—he’s been an advocate for amending the filibuster for 15 years. I have also submitted a resolution urging the Senate to change its rules and I’m proud to say that we already have nearly 30 co-sponsors. I will be working with my colleagues to get more support in the days and weeks ahead.

The filibuster has created a legislative process that I believe no longer reflects what the framers of our Constitution intended. And it’s certainly not good for the country. The time has come for the Senate to change its rules.