Declare Independence from the Filibuster

Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed

Declaration of Independence

Every Fourth, I post a brief reflection on how the Declaration speaks into current events. This year, I am guided by “the consent of the governed.” In recent years, the Supreme Court has practically set law by precedent, like OBERGEFELL v. HODGES. Most recently, they overturned precedent by eliminating ROE v. WADE. This is not what the Declaration envisioned:

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

Declaration of Independence

There has been a steady decline in legislation passed by Congress. In the 1970s, Congress passed 700-800 laws per year, in the 1980s, the numbers went down to 600-700. The 1990s saw a drop to 400-500 new laws per year and since 2000, only 300-400. In short, Congress’s powers are cut in half! One main reason are impasses created by the filibuster rule in the Senate. The requirement to obtain a 3/5 majority for most legislation is akin to King George III. refusing his assent to the laws of the colonies. Declare Independence from the Filibuster!