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…

It is time again for reform.

the filibuster has changed over the years.

We must consider reforms to the filibuster to ensure it serves its intended purpose.

The Senate of each new Congress is not bound by the rules of the previous Senates under Section 5 of Article 1 of the Constitution.

This Congress will go down in history as probably one of the more productive Congresses in generations.

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.

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

one Congress cannot bind a subsequent Congress.

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

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.

the threat of filibusters has become an almost daily fact of life in the Senate.

I believe the Constitution provides a solution to this problem.

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.

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

I know Chairman Dorgan feels that ways, too.

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.

We should not limit our reform efforts to the filibuster, but look at all the rules.