WTH Would Any Republican Consider Ending the Filibuster? Martin Gold Explains.

The legislative filibuster is one of the most important
guardrails against the tyranny of the majority that exists in the
United States Senate. Despite this critical function, both
parties have, at various times, entertained the idea of
eliminating the filibuster and with it, bipartisan compromise.
Such an act of unbelievable shortsightedness would transform the
Senate into a mirror image of the House of Representatives. This
change would result in drastic policy reversals as party control
shifts and could permanently disadvantage Republicans from ever
again controlling the chamber. With gridlock and polarization so
commonplace, how can we ensure the survival of the filibuster
while addressing constructive suggestions for change? How likely
might a permanent, constitutionally protected filibuster be? And
what would the Senate look like if either party was successful in
getting rid of it?


Martin B. Gold is a partner with Capitol Counsel, LLC. With over
50 years of legislative and private practice experience, he is a
recognized authority and author on matters of congressional rules
and parliamentary strategies, and U.S. policy in Asia. He
frequently advises senators and their staff and serves on the
adjunct faculty at George Washington University. Before business,
professional, and academic audiences, he speaks about Congress as
well as political and public policy developments. He has authored
several publications including, The Legislative Filibuster:
Essential to the United States Senate as well as Senate Procedure
and Practice, a widely consulted primer on Senate floor
procedure.


Read the transcript here.


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