Tom Harkin: “James Madison, in Federalist No. 58--I just want to read it. I will give the Senator a copy. If more than a majority…”

“James Madison, in Federalist No. 58--I just want to read it. I will give the Senator a copy. If more than a majority were required for a decision, the fundamental principle of free government would be reversed. It would be no longer the majority that would rule. The power would be transferred to the minority. The Senator from Nevada talks about small States. I represent a pretty small State. The Senator from Rhode Island, who spoke earlier, who is a cosponsor of this amendment, represents a State with two Congressmen per State, like other States. As he pointed out, in his 34 years here, he has never voted to sustain a filibuster. He has voted consistently for cloture to end debate. Yet, I believe that the Senator has represented his State well. I believe that Rhode Island has not been the worse for that. Quite frankly, I think they have prospered because of the representation of Senator Pell. The Constitution of the United States set up mechanisms to protect our small States--divided Government, checks and balances, vetoes, and yes, we have the right in the Senate to amend, to offer amendments.”