Defending the filibuster : the soul of the senate / Richard A. Arenberg and Robert B. Dove ; foreword by Senator Mark Udall and Senator Ted Kaufman.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 231-247) and index.

Soul of the Senate -- Filibuster, cloture, and unfettered amendment -- History of the filibuster -- Polarized politics and the use and abuse of the filibuster -- Criticisms of the filibuster -- The dangers of overzealous reform -- Related tactics : holds -- Related tactics : filling the amendment tree -- Circumventing the filibuster : reconciliation -- Reforming the filibuster : the constitutional option -- Reforming the filibuster : the nuclear option -- Bring in the cots -- Defending the filibuster -- Epilogue.

Recent legislative battles over healthcare reform, the federal budget, and other prominent issues have given rise to widespread demands for the abolition or reform of the filibuster in the US Senate. Critics argue that members? traditional rights of unlimited debate and amendment have led to paralyzing requirements for supermajorities and destructive parliamentary tactics such as "secret holds." In Defending the Filibuster, a veteran Senate aide and a former Senate Parliamentarian maintain that the filibuster is fundamental to the character of the Senate. They contend that the filibuster protects the rights of the minority in American politics, assures stability and deliberation in government, and helps to preserve constitutional principles of checks and balances and separation of powers. Richard A. Arenberg and Robert B. Dove provide an instructive historical overview of the development of Senate rules, define and describe related procedures and tactics, examine cases related to specific pieces of legislation, and consider current proposals to end the filibuster or enact other reforms. Arguing passionately in favor of retaining the filibuster, they offer a stimulating assessment of the issues surrounding current debates on this contentious issue.