Senators Merkley and Daines propose bipartisan Senate rule reforms

Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Steve Daines (R-MT) have introduced a bipartisan proposal to reform Senate rules and streamline the legislative process. The plan aims to address perceived dysfunction and obstruction within the chamber by reducing the impact of the filibuster and the 60-vote cloture requirement for certain routine and procedural votes.

Key components of the proposal include limiting dead floor time, restricting omnibus bills and backroom deals, and eliminating the “intervening day” between filing and voting. The senators also suggest establishing “fast-track” processes for committee-passed bills to reach the Senate floor with a two-thirds vote.

Both senators noted that the current rules often prevent the passage of legislation, regardless of which party holds the majority. The proposal seeks to move the Senate toward a more efficient model similar to the House of Representatives. The initiative is being presented before the upcoming elections, though formal introduction cannot occur until the new Congress convenes in January.