To: Sen. Dianne Feinstein (CA-1) and Sen. Kamala Harris (CA-2)
Senators Feinstein and Boxer: Stop filibuster abuse!
Abuse of the filibuster has paralyzed the Senate and stopped important progressive legislation. Please support the Merkley/Udall plan to fix the Senate.
Why is this important?
Since Democrats took over control of the Senate in 2006, Republican abuse of the filibuster has skyrocketed. In 2011-2012, there were more than 400 filibusters.
Important progressive goals like a health care public option, immigration reform, climate change legislation and the Employee Free Choice act have all been stopped by the filibuster.
It's not right for a minority to be able to gum up the works, without even having to explain why. Senators Merkley and Udall want to change the rules and fix the filibuster, and at least require a Senator to hold the floor and explain why they're blocking movement on legislation. Just like Jimmy Stewart in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.
Already, at least 48 Senators support the plan, which only needs a simple majority to pass. But California Senators Feinstein and Boxer are standing in the way.
Californians deserve a Senate that works, that can address our nation's problems. California's Senators must support the Merkley/Udall plan to fix the filibuster.