Rep. John R. Carter (R-TX-31), along with 56 of his colleagues in the House of Representatives, sent a letter to Senate leaders requesting they modify the rules to a majority vote for some legislation. A portion of the letter reads:

“As Members of the House of Representatives, we respectfully urge the Senate to modify its rules to a majority threshold of 51 senators to approve some legislation. Some pieces of legislation, like the Iran nuclear deal, are simply so consequential that they demand revisions to the Senate’s procedures.”

“The American people sent us to Congress to represent their interests and to take actions that benefit our great nation. Yet, time and again we hear from our constituents that Congress either isn’t listening or is incapable of performing its basic responsibilities as a legislature.”

The full text of the letter is attached. As a result of complex senate rules, the senate currently requires a super-majority of 60 votes, rather than 51, to pass most legislation. However, senate leaders do have an option to revise the rules when necessary.

Rep. Carter represents Texas District 31, which includes Fort Hood, the largest military installation in the free world. He serves as Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, is on the Subcommittee for Commerce, Justice and Science and the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. 

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