| Why Popular Policies Die in the Senate
The problems with the current Senate rules -- namely the abuse of the filibuster by Republicans -- are well known. Less well understood is how "the Senate by design empowers the residents of small states at the expense of residents of larger states. This fact explains why a policy like background checks that enjoys the support of over 90 percent of Americans can still be killed in the Senate through a combination of filibuster abuse and the Senate's bias toward small states. To put this in perspective, Wyoming Sens. Mike Enzi (R) and John Barrasso (R) both voted against the gun safety provision. Together, they represent a little more than half a million people. California Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D) and Barbara Boxer They represent over 38 million Americans.hey are far from alone in enjoying such a windfall.:" |
Read the rest of the story HERE:
At thinkprogress.org
At thinkprogress.org
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