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Dear Lucas, Until recently, the filibuster was used sparingly, as a last-ditch way for the minority party to make its voice heard. Nowadays, the filibuster is being abused to an unprecedented degree as a way to obstruct bills that have the support of the majority.We are facing unprecedented challenges for America and it is wrong for the Senate to maintain a rule that effectively blocks solutions to these challenges. The 112th Congress is set to start this Wednesday, January 5, and that is when we can begin the fight to change Senate rules to end the destructive use of the filibuster. I need you to join Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tom Udall, Jeff Merkley, and me in urging our colleagues to change the filibuster rule. It's up to you--the grassroots--to tell the Senate to end this gridlock and start working for the American people. Click here to demand that the Senate stop using the filibuster to block important legislation that can solve the many problems we face. When I travel the state and talk to New Yorkers, I constantly hear that they are tired of lawmakers paying more attention to politics than to solving serious issues like unemployment, the high cost of health care and energy challenges. Senators are using the filibuster to bow to special interests and score political points without being held accountable. That's why I'm supporting a reform that would require any senator who wishes to block legislation to stay on the floor and explain to the American people why they are right and the majority of senators are wrong. There must be complete transparency in our government and no more hiding behind arcane rules. Momentum is building to change filibuster rules. From lawmakers to academics to columnists to ordinary citizens--people from all over the nation are determined to fix a broken system that just isn't doing enough. So please, join me in supporting filibuster reform so we can get past the bureaucracy and onto the real business at hand. Click here to help change the Senate's filibuster rules and force lawmakers to stop playing politics and instead focus on helping the American people. I hope you will stand with me on this crucial issue so we can start this Congress off on the right foot. With your help, I know we can change the way Washington works. Sincerely, Kirsten Gillibrand |