Stifle debate, or, Give Me My Way

Donald J. Trump‏

Verified account@realDonaldTrump

"Republicans in the Senate will NEVER win if they don't go to a 51 vote majority NOW. They look like fools and are just wasting time......"

Dear Donnie, we have discussed this before.

  1.  The need for 60 votes is a result of the process referred to as cloture.  If you are unfamiliar with this term you may look it up.  You may also ask a member of the Senate for an explanation.  Your DOJ could explain it.  Even in these dire times I have faith enough to accept you even have WH staff members who can tell you about it.  That is if there are still any with the courage to risk your tantrum when you don't like it.

 2.  Cloture is a result of Senate rules developed by the Senate Rules Committee.  The issue you are dealing with used to require 2/3(67) rather than 3/5(60) of the Senate to bring a bill to vote.  This change was in 1975.  Be Happy with what you have.  3.  The Senate gets to make their own rules.  I assume you know this but just in case I refer you to Article 1 Section 5 of the U.S. Constitution.

     Now, the Senate could certainly change their rule on cloture.  However, each of the predominant parties recognizes that neither will be in perpetual control.  With a simple majority always being able to pass legislation there would be even more chaos than we currently deal with.  The members of Congress recognize this and knowing their august body will still be required to act long after you have departed your current station it is highly unlikely they would entertain such a move.

      Your other option is to have the Constitution amended so that a simple majority in either/both houses of congress will always prevail.  For that, you only need to get  2/3 of both houses to propose such or 2/3(38) of governors to present such and call for a constitutional convention.  with your powers of persuasion and skill in making a deal no doubt this is the route you would prefer.  There have been 5 amendments to the constitution in my lifetime.  One of them took 202 years to enact, so, good luck.

     If you remember, when you took the oath of office, you swore to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.  I am sorry you find this so troubling. 

Whaduyathink?