Senator Baldwin Wants to Reform the Filibuster

Friday, February 11th, 2022 -- 9:00 AM

(Raymond Neupert, WRN) Wisconsin Democrat Senator Tammy Baldwin wants to move forward on reforming the filibuster.

Wisconsin Democrat Senator Tammy Baldwin wants to move forward on reforming the filibuster. At the very least, Baldwin says that the Senate should do away with anonymous holds on bills and require anyone wanting to filibuster to come to the floor. 

"If you're going to prevent a bill from getting a debate or getting a vote you should at least have to identify yourself and identify the problems you have with that measure."

Baldwin says that as it stands, senators can place a hold on a bill without identifying themselves or what issue they have. She wants to return to what's called the "Speaking filibuster". "Allowing every member to speak at whatever length of they want to address the issue."

Baldwin says that current Senate rules allow for anonymous blocks on bills on the simple threat of a filibuster. "A member puts what they call a hold on a bill. They don't even have to make public who they are."

Baldwin says that means the minority party has outsized control on what bills actually get votes or make it to the floor of the Senate.

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