Letters

I don’t want to name names, but there are a few Democratic senators in Congress who clearly care more about protecting the filibuster, an antiquated procedural norm that lets a minority of senators stop any bill, than making progress for the American people.

It’s hard to understand why, especially when this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pass bold, sweeping legislation that could dramatically change American life for the better. Without the filibuster, legislation like raising the minimum wage, comprehensive climate action and voting rights actually have a chance of passing the Senate with Democrats in control of Congress and the White House.

I hope that they see this moment for what it is, a rare opportunity to make government work for the American people, and act before it’s too late. What is power for if not to help people?

I’m calling on the Senate to step up and get rid of the filibuster so lawmakers can do what they were elected to do: improve the lives of regular Americans.

Raymond Berrios

Riverhead