In two days, the U.S. Senate will reconvene and the gavel will fall to signal the start of the 112th Congress.
As we begin a new session, we must also look back at recent history and ask ourselves how we can do better. The last few years we've seen unprecedented obstruction like filibusters and secret holds, creating a Senate with little to no accountability.
On January 5, we have an opportunity to make it better. This Wednesday, we can take the first steps to start making important changes to the Senate rules.
Institutional reform is always hard and the Senate is certainly no exception. Without the grassroots support of engaged citizens like you in the Daily Kos community, we wouldn’t be on the verge of the first real reforms to our Senate in more than 35 years.
We understand that Senate procedural reform isn’t exactly the most glamorous topic, but you’ve helped show how important reform is, and how it affects every other issue that our country faces.
It isn’t just about fixing the Senate, it’s an important step toward reforming how business is conducted in Washington.
Thousands of you have signed the petition to make the filibuster real, and we thank you for playing such an important role in supporting the effort to fix the broken Senate.
By adopting rules by a simple majority at the beginning of each Congress, those who wish to obstruct for the sake of obstruction will be on notice.
We were sent to Washington to tackle the challenges that face our nation. Sure, we have our differences, and if senators strongly oppose a piece of legislation, they have the right to let their voice be heard. But obstructing and hiding behind arcane rules while the Senate chamber sits vacant is simply unacceptable.
The beginning of the 112th Congress will serve as a reminder to all that when rules are abused, they can be changed.
The Senate has many important traditions that must be protected. But there is also a quintessential American tradition that we strive to fix what is broken and perfect what is flawed.
Thank you for recognizing what needs to be fixed and stay tuned for Wednesday.