Republican senators are pushing a frightening proposal that would alter the climate of Senate procedures. After Senate Democrats have filibustered to block 10 of President Bush's judicial nominees, many Republicans are promoting a rule change to take away the ability to use the filibuster in such a case. This is a misguided attempt to establish dominance and to set precedent for future Senate battles, such as Supreme Court nominations and Social Security reform. Not only would it be a mistake to prohibit the filibuster for judicial nominees, but some of the Republicans' method for rallying support is also controversial. By once again tying their platform to Christianity, the Republicans are avoiding debate and simply invoking the power of the church.
The filibuster is a Senate principle that allows any senator to speak on any subject for an unlimited amount of time. A senator can halt floor proceedings and prevent legislation from coming to the floor for a vote. The only way to stop a filibuster is to call for a closure, which requires 60 votes. Senate Republicans complain that by resorting to the filibuster to block Bush's judicial nominees, Democrats are unfairly manipulating the rules and changing the number of votes needed for confirmation from 51 to 60. However, the filibuster exists precisely to prevent majority tyranny, and it has remained in place throughout Senate history because it is understood that the balance of power will eventually sway to the opposite party.
Now, many Republicans suggest a change in the rules that would prohibit the use of the filibuster to block judicial nominees. This would be a devastating mistake by the Republicans, and would entice staunch partisan division from Democrats, who are already threatening to put a complete halt to Senate proceedings if the Republicans carry through. Any hope for bipartisan cooperation on future issues, such as Social Security reform, would be destroyed. Also, the retaliation the Republicans would suffer upon an eventual shift in Senate control would be unavoidable.
Perhaps more alarming, however, are the promotional tactics employed by the Republicans to rally support for their cause. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist appeared April 24 in a six-minute clip on \Justice Sunday,"" a telecast rooted heavily in religion, to denounce Democrats' Senate strategies. Unlike many other speakers on the video, Frist avoided directly linking this debate over Senate practices to religion, but his appearance in the video certainly implies a connection.
Frist argued that the Democrats' actions are unacceptable because they take away the president's ability to appoint federal judges. However, it is the senators' constitutional right to deny appointees unfit for the position. Others in the telecast claimed that justices were blocked because of their religious beliefs, despite Democrats' claims that the blocked nominees held views that were out of the mainstream.
The Republicans are unfairly attacking the political minority in an attempt to assert their congressional supremacy. Their method is that of a schoolyard bully, changing the rules while they are in charge to assure things go their way. The filibuster has been a staple of the Senate since its conception, and it is part of what distinguishes the Senate from the House. Also, by continuing to associate their party with religion, they are avoiding the potentially dangerous situation of explaining themselves.
