Top Ten Reasons Why the U.S. Senate is Broken

1. Debate and speeches that might never end unless a super majority of at least 60 senators agree to hold a vote.

2. Endless debate over whether to debate. Senators must unanimously (all 100) agree to consider a bill.

3. Endless debate over whether to negotiate differences with a House version. Senators have three opportunities to filibuster this process.

4. Forced debate even after a filibuster is ended. Senate rules require 30 hours of debate for every motion, whether it’s the motion to proceed, the motion to end debate, or real discussion of the bill’s merits.

5. Secret anonymous holds that stop Senate business.

6. Forcing a roll call vote on everything, to tie up the Senate and prevent real work from getting done.

7. Frivolous points of order. Another way to tie up the Senate and stop real work.

8. Frivolous or “poison pill” amendments. The rules allow any senator to offer any amendment, whether or not it relates to the issue under discussion.

9. Reading amendments aloud. Unless every senator agrees – that unanimous consent requirement again – each amendment must be read aloud.

10. Senate committees have their own rules that delay the process even more.

Source: American Progress