It's true that the Democratic Senate failed to pass comprehensive climate legislation in 2010.
And yeah, the Teabaggerz are coming. In fact, the person slotted to chair the House Energy and Commerce Committee has joined (Koch Industries) the party.
Under the circumstances, wanting to give up on politics as usual is more than understandable.
But the deadly reality of climate-caused catastrophes demands our unwavering attention and immediate action.
Let's start with the dysfunctional United States Senate.
Republicans in the 111th Congress abused Senate parliamentary rules more than any minority in Senate history.
Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) proposes a solution to Senate gridlock. The so-called "Constitutional Option" has the support of Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and every returning Democrat in the Senate except Chris Dodd. All have signed a letter to Majority Leader Reid urging him to consider a Senate rules change.
The proposed Senate package includes three reforms:
* Put an end to secret holds (anonymous filibuster threats).
* Prevent the minority from blocking debate on an issue. Senators can not initiate a filibuster unless they have 40 votes, and they have to remain on the floor to sustain it.
* End the requirement that the majority have 60 votes to break a filibuster.
The Senate has the Constitutional authority to change its rules on the first day of a new Congress. With the support of Democratic Senators and public sentiment in favor of fixing the broken Senate, momentum is building.
If successful, Udall and others will propose a Senate rules reform package on January 5th, Republicans will object (filibuster) by raising a "Point of Order" against Udall's motion, and Vice President Biden will give the majority the opportunity to table (with 51 votes) the Republican Point of Order and vote on the proposed reform package.
Your action is needed now. Just follow these quick and easy steps:
1. Call your Senators tomorrow. Urge Democratic and Republican Senators to support Senate rules reform. Demand that Democratic Senators stand strong and united in adopting a rules change on January 5th.
2. Sign the Sierra Club and Daily Kos petitions.
Thank you!