New years resolution...for the Senate?

As the new year begins, the Senate is wasting no time in trying to pass new legislation. Senator Tom Udall of New Mexico, first-term Democratic Senator, is trying to create support for modifying (but not banning) filibusters--obstructions of legislation through things such as long speeches and debates. Currently, most filibusters require a super majority, or a 2/3 vote of the Senate to override filibusters. But with this new resolution, a simple majority of only 51 senators will need to vote 'yes' on a filibuster in order to end it.

Now, this resolution has four key proposals, aside from the 51-person majority rule. The first would hinder filibusters from taking up a bill, but would still let filibusters end the debate on a bill. A second would prevent "secret holds"--a method for senators to secretly stall legislation or a nomination from being brought up. A third would force senators leading a filibuster to have to stay on the floor during the entire filibuster. The forth part of is supposed to satisfy Republicans from feeling left out from the method.

Obviously, this proposal has sparked quite a bit of controversy in the Senate. While many Republican Senators, aside from other reasons, argue that changing legislation on the first legislative day has never been done, not all Democrats are supporting this suggestion either. Many senior senators simply feel that it's unjust to weaken the power of the minority party in the Senate. Even Senate leaders will not decide on this piece of legislation as they are negotiating possible compromises from both sides.

With the Democrats only holding a 53-person majority in the Senate, I feel that they're just trying to regain their power in the Senate, seeing the Republicans have taken over the House and almost all of the Senate. What do you guys think of this new legislation? Should it be passed or not? If it is easier to overrule filibusters, how will this affect new legislation?