Democratic and Republican Senate leaders are currently engaged in negotiations regarding proposed changes in Senate rules that would decrease the threat of filibusters and promote bipartisan cooperation. In the wake of the Tucson shootings and the President’s call for more civil discourse, will these negotiations result in changes that are acceptable to both sides and might help to alleviate legislative gridlock? The upcoming issue of Congressional Digest will discuss the history and use of the filibuster, and whether or not it should be reformed.

The “Filibuster Reform” issue will explain how the current Senate rules work – how senators are able to delay votes or prevent them from taking place, as well as proposed remedies for what many perceive to be overuse of the filibuster. It will also take a look at famous filibusters throughout history and then move on to the current debate, as each side holds forth in this latest reevaluation of how the Senate conducts its business.