Senator James Lankford has been appointed to a special task force to explore changes to the filibuster rule in the Senate. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell assembled the task force which will look into possible changes in the filibuster rule and other procedural hurdles according to The Hill.
Republicans have been putting pressure on McConnell due to the lack of legislation making it to President Obama’s desk due to Democratic obstructions.
Members of the task force other than Lankford include Senator Lamar Alexander, Senate Rules Committee Chairman Roy Blunt, Senator Cory Gardner, and Senator Thom Tillis. The goal of the task for is to identify possible rule changes to help move legislation through the Senate. The changes would be put into place next year.
“At times, the rules and practices of the Senate have left Americans and members of the Senate deeply frustrated. Senate systems that should serve the nation are currently blocking debate and slowing progress, instead of promoting it,” Lankford told The Hill.
While there are calls for drastic changes to the filibuster rules, there are also words of caution asking a simple question. Will Republicans regret the changes once they are no longer the majority in the Senate?
