WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) issued the following statement today on the Senate rules agreement reached by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell:
"For more than three years, I've been committed to changing the Senate rules so that Congress can effectively respond to the needs of the country. The Constitution has been the catalyst for reforming the current filibuster and that marks a breakthrough.
"The agreement that's been struck is a combination of rules and behavioral changes, and not as strong what many of us have been advocating. However, it alters the way we deal with nominations, conference committees and motions to proceed -- all things I've been working toward. The leaders have also agreed to make filibusters more transparent and bring objectors to the chamber for actual debate. I am supporting their efforts to get a bipartisan agreement today, and moving forward will continue to fight for the stronger filibuster reforms my colleagues and I believe will make the Senate a more accountable institution.
"We've come a long way toward reforming the Senate and the filibuster in the last three years. We've made progress, but I'm not done fighting to change the way we do business. It's true what my Uncle Mo used to say: 'Reform is not for the short-winded.'"
