We're seeing an increased demand for a finite existing supply of water, and how we manage that supply is a very important question for all of us today.

one Congress cannot bind a subsequent Congress.

Wouldn't you think if we had a tradition of adopting rules every 2 years, that would bring accountability to the system more than anything?

Unlike those specific changes to the rules, which I think all deserve our consideration, my proposal is to make each Senate accountable for all of our rules.

I believe more strongly than ever that our Senate rules are broken.

I do think the problem is more of the culture than it is the rules, that the rules operated better in a previous era.

I worry about the Senate as an institution, but then I worry, if the Senate is not working as an institution, then we are not doing the things the American people sent us here to do.

What does a filibuster really accomplish other than delay and, in some cases, defeat of a nomination?

I do not see that the leverage of another filibuster, which is still going to require 60 votes when you get to the Bill itself, is a necessary commodity.

the filibuster used to be the exception to the rule. In today's Senate, it is becoming a straitjacket.

I think that we need to adjust the rules, not to become the House, but to become a restored, effective Senate with the power to deliberate so we can do our jobs and do them better.

I believe the Constitution provides a solution to this problem.

I think one of the real problems is that with supermajorities required for just about everything, it does make it hard for the public to hold anybody accountable for what does or does not get done.

If I could wave my magic wand and do one thing, it would be to move the Senate to a schedule which was five days a week, three weeks on and one week off, with no fund-raising during those 15 days a month.

I think it is important that you actually have debate and that there is a real chance for the minority to make its point.

Over the past few months, during this series of hearings, we have discussed and debated example after example of how the filibuster in particular and the Senate's incapacitating rules in general too often stand in the way of achieving real…

The intent of both of these proposals is to make the Senate more like the Senate and actually require debate about the topic that is being filibustered.

Many of my colleagues, as well as constitutional scholars, agree with me that a simple majority of the Senate can end debate and adopt its rules at the beginning of a new Congress.