Click here to view the presentation "The Filibuster: History, Uses, and Implications"
Dr. Kenneth Moffet, chair of the Political Science Department at SIUE will be the featured
speaker at the membership meeting on Tuesday, September 21st at 7:00 pm via zoom.
When the United States Senate reconvenes in September the filibuster will take center
stage. The For the People Voting Rights Act will be one of the first bills called for a vote. At
the time of this writing, passage of this bill rests heavily on the Senate’s decision about the
filibuster rule.
Dr. Moffett teaches courses on American Politics and The Congress, so he is well qualified
to provide background information on the filibuster rule. The LWVUS has issued a position
statement about the filibuster (see below). Dr. Moffett has been invited to comment on the
LWVUS position.
LWVUS Position
The League and the Filibuster –Background information
The League of Women Voters calls on the US Senate to amend the filibuster rule that continues to stand in the way of progress for the American people. The League has a history of calling for filibuster reform to ensure a functioning democracy. In 2011, the League called for filibuster reform to end gridlock and partisan warfare in the Senate. Today, we are seeking the same reform to limit obstruction.
Problems with the Filibuster
The filibuster is a relic of the Jim Crow era. It has a long history of use to defend slavery and preserve segregation, to block civil rights and other access to our democracy.
The Senate filibuster rule has become a partisan weapon of obstruction that no longer promotes bipartisanship, deliberation, or debate.
The American people elected Senators to legislate and do not want to see an archaic rule prevent Congress from doing its’ job.
Why does the League support Filibuster Reform?
The League supports reforming the filibuster to prohibit a minority party from blocking opening debate of a bill. We support instituting a “talking filibuster”, ending silent holds, putting the onus on minority parties to produce 40 votes, and lowering the cloture vote threshold to bring bills to a final up-or-down vote on the Senate floor.
What will Filibuster Reform Accomplish?
Senators will be beholden to the American people. They will not be able to use the filibuster to delay important legislation and conceal debate behind closed doors, out of the view of the American people.
Amending it will ensure our government can govern for the people. Our nation deserves better. Reforming this rule is the best way to ensure a healthy democracy and a functioning Senate.
Filibuster reform will allow American voters to see which of their elected Senators are obstructing a vote on issues that matter to our communities, the nation, and the health of our republic.
For more information on the complexities of the filibuster, see:
