Category Archives: legislation and legislatures
The (Partial) End of the Filibuster as a Natural Consequence of Increased Polarization in the Senate
It’s a subject I addressed in Political Dysfunction and Constitutional Change, 86 Drake Law Review (2013) (symposium).
Shorter version: pretty clear this was coming. Big question was who would pull the trigger.
Norm Ornstein: Sen. McConnell Secretly Wanted Reid to Break Filibuster
Three Democrats Voting Against Going Nuclear on Judicial/Executive Nominations
Race or Party? Cont’d
“We’re Not Bluffing”
The end of the filibuster of judicial nominees Thursday?
What I think has changed in the last few years is the calculation on the downside of going nuclear. How can Sen. McConnell plausibly threaten to make things worse if Democrats… Continue reading
“Govern, Don’t Obstruct: We Need a Working Senate”
Will Harry Reid Go Nuclear?
If not, he’s a good bluffer.
“ALEC Floats Legislation Chipping Away At The 17th Amendment”
“Earmark Ban Hits Lobbyists’ Influence on Spending Bills”
Roll Call:
If the lobbying world of K Street was as powerful as its public image, earmarks would be back in full force in Congress — or, maybe, they never would have gone away.
The modern lobbying business was built… Continue reading
Goodbye THOMAS, Hello Congress.Gov for Researching Congressional Bills, Etc.
“Bills left in limbo are often just part of the choreography in Congress”
“U.S. Electoral System and Congressional Gridlock”
Watch Rob Richie on C-SPAN.
Drake Law Review Symposium on Political Dysfunction and Constitutional Change
This was a truly great symposium and discussion, now in print.
Drake Law Review
Volume 61, No. 4, Summer 2013
CONSTITUTIONAL LAW SYMPOSIUM
The U.S. Constitution and Political Dysfunction: Is There a Connection?
ARTICLES
Dedication to Congressman Neal Smith
David… Continue reading