Elizabeth R. (esjro) - , reviewed on 8/13/2023 + 937 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

Adam Jentleson explains in Kill Switch how the use of the filibuster has evolved to paralyze the legislative process in the Senate. The filibuster in principle is not the problem; it is the use of the filibuster as an obstruction tactic and the supermajority required by Rule 22 to approve cloture that prevents legislation from moving forward.

The book begins with the history of the filibuster. For me the first part was a slog because I am more interested in modern history, but in retrospect it was necessary to refute those who wish to misconstrue the intentions of the Framers. Later chapters outline the evolution of cloture rules and the decline of bipartisinship in the senate due to the increasing power given to party leaders and loosening rules regarding conflicts of interest. Although clearly left-leaning, the author does try to be fair and points to his former boss and mentor Harry Reid's role in the former.

Things really go off the rails once Mitch McConnell gets involved. This was my favorite part of the book - I always enjoy reading about how awful he is.

It was refreshing to find that the author does offer several rule changes that could get the Senate out of the gridlock it has been in recent years. So many non-fiction books outlike problems but don't propose solutions, so I was happy that this one does.

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