Want to curb one of the GOP's biggest methods of obstruction?

Will you call Senator Charles Schumer? Tell him: "Vote for the Udall-Harkin-Merkley proposal to fix the filibuster." Senator Charles Schumer Phone: (202) 224-6542 Report Your Call!

Dear MoveOn member,

Congressional dysfunction never ceases to amaze. The recently concluded fiscal showdown negotiations exemplified how Senate and House rules reward obstruction and make it almost impossible to get policies supported by the American people enacted.

We've got one urgent opportunity to change the rules in the Senate—by reforming the filibuster.

Tomorrow, after new senators like Elizabeth Warren are sworn in, Senate Democrats will vote on new filibuster rules.¹ There's a proposal on the table from Senators Tom Udall, Tom Harkin, and Jeff Merkley that could make a real difference by:²

• Ending secret holds. All filibusters would have to happen in public.
• Forcing obstructionists to hold "talking filibusters." If a senator wants to block a vote, s/he will have to stand on the floor and say why.

Senator Charles Schumer needs to know MoveOn members are counting on him to vote for this proposal, rather than a watered-down alternative that maintains the status quo.³ He needs to hear from us today, because tomorrow's vote is a unique moment when rules can be changed with a simple majority vote—and our best chance to end the Senate gridlock standing in the way of good paying jobs legislation, meaningful gun safety measures, and much more.

Will you call Sen. Schumer right now? Tell him: "Vote for the Udall-Harkin-Merkley proposal to fix the filibuster."

Here's where to call:

Senator Charles Schumer
Phone: (202) 224-6542

Then, please report your call by clicking here.

Thanks for all you do.

–Garlin, Anna, Joan, Lenore, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "The First Week in January," Huffington Post, November 15, 2012 
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=285906&id=60280-10220574-lBFqZDx&t=3

2. "Udall-Harkin-Merkley Rules Reform Package," The Washington Post, accessed January 2, 2013
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=285907&id=60280-10220574-lBFqZDx&t=4

3. "Weakened Filibuster Reform Plan Unveiled In Congress By John McCain, Carl Levin," Huffington Post, December 28, 2012
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=285908&id=60280-10220574-lBFqZDx&t=5

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