When it comes to Filibuster reform - to me #7 is the most important!!!

[LynneSin]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/13/filibuster-reform-coalition-launches_n_795774.html

The announcement, obtained in advance by The Huffington Post, includes eight distinct principles for altering Senate procedures -- some of which are already being championed by lawmakers, some of which have found their way into pieces of legislation.

1. On the first legislative day of a new Congress, the Senate may, by majority vote, end a filibuster on a rules change and adopt new rules.

2. There should only be one opportunity to filibuster any given measure or nomination, so motions to proceed and motions to refer to conference should not be subject to filibuster.

3. Secret "holds" should be eliminated.

4. The amount of delay time after cloture is invoked on a bill should be reduced.

5. There should be no post-cloture debate on nominations.

6. Instead of requiring that those seeking to break a filibuster muster a specified number of votes, the burden should be shifted to require those filibustering to produce a specified number of votes to continue the filibuster.

7. Those waging a filibuster should be required to continuously hold the floor and debate.

8. Once all Senators have had a reasonable opportunity to express their views, every measure or nomination should be brought to a yes or no vote in a timely manner

There is something almost pathetic about the recent rash of senate filibusters (exclusing Bernie Sanders). It's gotton to the point that the republicans say "Oh we have 40 votes we're filibustering" and the Democrats roll over and say 'Ok' you win.

I remember a long time ago when filibusters occurred people would stay on the floor for days hosting the filibuster. Who was it that read the local phone book? I think Huey Long recited Shakesphere. And you have to give a cheer for Bernie Sanders, he did his filibuster old school - the way it should be. According to Wiki - On December 10, 2010, Senator Bernard Sanders, I-VT, began a "Tax Cut Filibuster" at 10:25 a.m. and finished at 6:59 p.m. later that day<36> on the floor of the Senate. Sanders' office said the intention was to "speak as long as possible against a tax deal between the White House and congressional Republicans."<37>

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filibuster_in_the_United_States_Senate