Nov. 21, 2013, Fairfax, Va.—Americans for Limited Government vice president of public policy and communications Rick Manning today issued the following statement blasting the Senate Democrat Majority for violating Senate rules in order to change rules and eliminate the filibuster:
“Standing Rule XXII of the Senate clearly states that to amend Senate rules requires a two-thirds majority, and yet Senate Democrats have done so with just a simple majority to eliminate the filibuster on presidential nominations except for the Supreme Court. Legality aside, now that this new precedent has been set, it would be foolish for Republicans to rescind it should they regain control of the chamber in 2014, or to agree to future reinstatement when a Republican eventually becomes president again.
“This precedent that a simple majority can impose its will in the Senate forever shatters the cooling saucer of theformerly most deliberative body, and it is only a matter of time before the filibuster is dismantled entirely. The concept of minority rights has been forever altered. Harry Reid’s Senate is now little more than a rubber stamp for presidential nominations.”
Interview Availability: Please contact Americans for Limited Government at (703)383-0880 or at media@algnews.org to arrange an interview with ALG experts including ALG President Nathan Mehrens.
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