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Is the U.S. Senate broken?

November 4, 2012 12:24 PM

Once a great deliberative body, the Senate is now known for deadlock, dysfunction and political games. Will Tuesday's election help? Steve Kroft reports.

Is the U.S. Senate broken?

60 Minutes OverTimeAn exasperating interview with Senate leaders

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by venusvegasvada March 4, 2013 7:13 PM EST
The GOP is broken. Look at how many moderate GOP members of the House and Senate are retiring because of the tone and psychosis of the current GOP Tea Party movement. Olympia Snow, etc.

If they can't even keep sensible people in their own party in office what do they expect? The GOP is turning into a bunch of rabble. I half expect them to start blocking the streets in Washington and start burning tires next to get attention for their pathetic minority.
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by 24lomas January 27, 2013 8:38 AM EST
Yes, it is broken because the democrats do not listen to Americans. For instance, we did not support the Obama care, but the Senate passed that law and Obozo signed it against our will. And now Obozo wants amnesty to the poor illegal aliens and the Senate with Reid will support it. We are against amnesty for illegal aliens, but the politicians do not listen to US citizens. That is why we must replace all the politicians who do not work for US citizens.
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by AJR2012 November 8, 2012 7:59 AM EST
Two things:

1.) Campaign finance reform needs to be front and center so politicians aren't spending their lives raising funds and pandering to the special interests that fund them. How about a campaign budget cap (a low one), much like salary caps in pro sports? It would level the playing field for candidates who can't raise massive amounts of money, creating an even race for everyone, and would limit the need to constantly raise funds to win the next election. The campaign strategy would shift to the best way to spend the limited money available, instead of how to raise more money than their opponent. It would also force politicians how to budget, which seems to be a skill they collectively lack. Whatever the solution, this needs to be addressed. Campaign spending has become so obscene its damaging politics in this country to the point where only the rich have a voice in government.

2.) TERM LIMITS!!! No more career politicians - we are tired of their bickering! NO MORE!!!
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by mu4hh November 7, 2012 9:44 AM EST
Suggestion: Filibusterers should be required to actually speak from the floor. It's no wonder there have been so many; they cost so little (in physical exertion) to create, but cost so much in their impact to progress.
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by meschinzel November 7, 2012 9:19 AM EST
The election is over and nothing has changed. "Term limits" for the representatives in Washington is needed to move this gridlock. These representative forget who they are supposed to be representing...They all need to live under the same rules that they establish for the people. Maybe something would change...?
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by Publius98642 November 7, 2012 12:05 AM EST
I can't help but think that Congress is divided and uncompromising because their constituents are divided and uncompromising. I honestly feel the responsibility falls on all of us, and not Congress. They are only holding the unyielding uncompromising ideology of those they represent. When WE have no interest in cooperating with one another, and only see each other as objects to compete with, then how can we possibly expect those that represent us to do anything except refuse to budge. We rise and fall together.
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by dougeaker November 6, 2012 11:49 AM EST
when is 60 minutes going to become serious journalists again? It is like they are too old to put in the effort for a real story, so they attempt to add some drama to provoke interests. The issue is corporate money that is influencing both the Pubs and the Dems, and both parties have been moving to the right for decades. This would of been my first question, is the campaign economics causing the lack of legislation in congress? Don't ask questions like why can't you work with one another, ask him who controls them......the people or corporate america! By the way, i stopped watching this weak journalism a few years back, but couldn't miss a chance to see David McCullough.
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by ttihan November 6, 2012 10:24 AM EST
I agree with mtnman. A fairly simple solution to the problem is, the salaries, health care, pensions are paid by the state that this person represents. In conjunction with the election ballot is a recall, if 51% of the states population feels that he/she is not doing the job that they were sent to do, we fire them. Each year the voters would be sent a ballot that asks only two things. 1- Continue employment. 2- Fire.
This could be expanded to include the white house.
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by TerlingF November 5, 2012 4:45 PM EST
You must vote. Democracy ONLY works with participation. Throwing in the towel and accepting the status quo is what these guys do! Great piece.
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by 2hheels52 November 5, 2012 4:10 PM EST
Why in the world can't they put American people first. The obstruction that is happening is hurting the Americans that sent them their. It is time for these over priced babies to grow up put America first. Do your job or give us our money back. Every dime you have ever taken in. We are sick of your childish behavior.60 minutes needs to stay at this until the start working for America. They need the exposure every day until action is taking place.
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