Orrin Hatch: “the Senate didn't used to operate this way. I have been to the floor many times over the past few years to talk about…”

“the Senate didn't used to operate this way. I have been to the floor many times over the past few years to talk about the deterioration of the Senate procedures under the current majority and to call for a return to the deliberative traditions of this Chamber. Many of my colleagues on this side of the aisle have done the same. Sadly, it appears our calls have fallen on deaf ears. I have been in the Senate a long time, and I have never seen it worse than it is right now. There have been some very rough times in the Senate over the years, but I have never seen it worse. Over the past number of years, the majority has called up a bill and then immediately filed cloture as if we were filibustering, when we don't have any intention to filibuster. All we want is to be able to call up amendments. But, in addition to filing cloture, the majority will fill the tree, making impossible for anyone to call up an amendment. Frankly, this is not the way to run the Senate. All I can say is that the Senate is not being run the way it should be run. I have no objection to filling the tree after a full and extended debate when people have an opportunity to bring up their amendments, full-blooded Senators here on the floor, who have the right to bring up those amendments. I have no problem with amendments that I totally disagree with being brought up, but you can't even do that most of the time on these bills unless, basically, the leadership on the Democratic side approves.…”