Oregon U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley is set for a major political victory: filibuster reform in the U.S. Senate.
The Democratic U.S. Senator, who has pushed for filibuster reform in past years, will likely get his wish when the 112th U.S. Congress reconvenes this afternoon.
As the former Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives, Mr. Merkley has pushed in favor of returning to debate-oriented environment.
“One of the things about coming from a state legislature, where you hold daily debates, is that it puts in stark contrast the fact that the Senate has virtually no deliberations,” said Merkley.
The Oregon Democrat says the in order for debate to occur, changes to the use of the filibuster must take place.
A number of key U.S. Senate Democrats confirmed on Tuesday that they plan to hold a key vote that will fundamentally alter how the filibuster can be used in the upcoming session.
Mr. Merkley says he plans to be joined by several other Democrats, including U.S. Senator Tom Udall of New Mexico and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota. Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa has also expressed support.
Republican U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell slams the proposal in an editorial published by the Washington Post, saying the measure undermines the power of the minority.
