On the recordJanuary 27, 2011
Our ability to debate and deliberate without restraints of time limits is central and unique to the Senate. It is supposed to be that way. It is in our DNA. It is one of the many traits intentionally designed to distinguish this body from the House of Representatives and from every other legislative body in the world. It has always been central to the Senate, and it always should be. But when that arrangement is abused, we have to do something not merely in the name of efficiency or for the sake of a political party's fortunes in the next election, we have to act because when abuses keep us from doing our work, they deter us from working together, and they stop us from working for the American people. And within these four walls, it degrades the relationships that make the Senate run. What is special about the Senate is that this body operates by consensus. It runs on a fuel made of comity and trust. When abuses happen or when colleagues act in bad faith, it dilutes and degrades that fuel and the Senate stalls.
