Editor, Times-Union:
Whatever color the House of Representatives shift to in 2026 and future elections afterwards whether a red Republican majority or a blue Democratic majority or even a purple centrist majority. It should always command a 222 or higher majority (51.0%+ rule) in order to control that body of Congress instead of the current 218- simple majority rule. Any governing party or coalition in this chamber should have a clear solid majority in order to lead instead of a precarious edge.
It has also been well past the time that other parties across the political spectrum start making their way into that body of Congress whether Libertarian, Federalist, Green, America First, independents, etc., whether they make up part of the governing majority or become the governing majority themselves. Ballot access in the various states need to be changed in order to ge more third parties on the ballot.
In the Senate the filibuster should remain in place if it does get repealed a Senate 55 rule should be adopted requiring a supermajority of senators (55 or more) to pass legislation, nominations, budgets, etc., on a first attempt or second try. If it fails to do so only then would a simple majority vote be allowed with the vice president casting a tie-breaking vote if necessary. This rule could even be adopted regardless of what happens to the filibuster as the Senate is meant to be a chamber of deliberation, moderation, and consensus across the board where warranted and achieveable not ramming through one particlar agenda over the expense of everyone.
Voters should contact their representatives and senators and urge adoption of these important measures that further strengthen our constitutional republic.
Alexander Houze
Leesburg