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HRES 1369

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States Senate's current cloture and filibuster rules are contrary to the constitutional design of two co-equal majoritarian legislative bodies, are non-deliberative in practice, disenfranchise Members of the House of Representatives and their constituents, and disrupt the proper balance of powers between the two chambers of Congress, and for other purposes.

119th Congress Introduced by Michael Cloud

Calls for reform or abolition of Senate cloture and filibuster to restore majority-rule and ensure House-passed bills get timely Senate votes.

Submitted in House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HRES 1369

Overview

H. Res. 1369 (119th Congress, 2nd Session) expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States Senate’s current cloture and filibuster rules are inconsistent with the constitutional design of two co-equal majoritarian chambers, are not truly deliberative in practice, disenfranchise House members and their constituents, and disrupt the constitutional balance between the two chambers. The resolution calls for reform or abolition of Senate cloture and filibuster rules and lays out principles for how Senate procedures should function in relation to House-passed legislation.

Purpose and intent

  • Emphasize that the Framers designed a bicameral Congress with two co-equal chambers operating on majority rule, and that ordinary legislation should not require supermajorities.
  • Argue that the modern Senate filibuster, particularly the two-track system and the ability of a minority to block votes without substantive engagement, undermines deliberation and the practical functioning of a republican form of government.
  • Restore or reform majority-rule dynamics so that legislation passed by the House can receive timely Senate consideration and a vote led by a Senate majority.

Key provisions and changes urged

  • Section 2 (Sense of the House):

    • Proposes reform or abolition of the Senate’s cloture and filibuster rules to restore majority-rule principles in Senate proceedings on legislation.
    • Urges the establishment of procedures ensuring that legislation enacted by a House majority receives a timely floor vote in the Senate.
    • Supports maintaining a minority's right to be heard and to offer amendments, but opposes minority rules that permanently prevent majority action.
    • Reiterates that both chambers should operate under the principle that, after deliberation, a majority determines the outcome.
    • Suggests that procedural rules in both chambers should facilitate deliberation, accountability, and majority governance.

  • Section 1 (Findings):

    • Documents Founders’ intent: two co-equal chambers designed for majority rule, with minority veto mechanisms not intended to block ordinary legislation indefinitely.
    • Cites Federalist Papers and constitutional records to argue against supermajority requirements for ordinary legislation.
    • Describes the current filibuster as a procedural veto that bypasses genuine deliberation.
    • Asserts that the Senate filibuster creates an asymmetry between chambers and disenfranchises House voters.

  • Section 3 (Transmission):

    • Directs the Clerk of the House to transmit the resolution to Senate leadership and all Senators.

Who and what is affected

  • The primary target is the Senate’s cloture and filibuster rules and practices (notably the 1970s-era reforms and the 41-vote threshold for cloture).
  • Affects the functioning of bicameral legislation: House-passed bills would be expected to receive timely consideration in the Senate and be subject to majority-rule disposition.
  • Implications for House members and their constituents, who the sponsors argue are disenfranchised when Senate rules block floor consideration.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Introduced June 15, 2026 by Rep. Michael Cloud; referred to the House Rules Committee.
  • The resolution itself does not change law but expresses the policy preference of the House and instructs dissemination to Senate leadership and members.
  • No enforcement mechanism or specific alternative procedures are specified within the text of the resolution; it sets a sense-of-the-House position and calls for reform.

Notes

  • This is a non-binding resolution expressing a viewpoint on Senate rules and bicameral balance.
  • If enacted as a law, substantive changes would require separate legislative steps in both chambers and likely a broader reform package outlining specific procedural changes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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