IMO, there should be a rule that a majority of each party must be seated in the Senate

[Tx4obama]

when a debate is going on.

In the old days before Senators had offices all they had were their desks in the Senate chamber, they sat there to do their work, and they were there when other senators were speaking.

I think they need to stop this silliness of senators speaking to an empty room!

[aquart]

1. And a filibuster without any actual filibuster.

[trayfoot]

2. AMEN!

[nadinbrzezinski]

3. That would be a better reform

they said they were gonna do it, but they did not

[Riftaxe]

4. That would seriously cut down on their time available

to be wined and dined by lobbyists...will never happen.

[SoutherDem]

5. Interesting Thought

I will agree what is happening now isn't working. While we are at it lets make them really filibuster, like in days of old where they had to continue the debate, not just say I am filibustering and walk away.

[FarCenter]

6. They should just stop speaking

I can't imagine that anyones vote is actually changed by the blather spouted on the floor of either chamber.

The speeches are all just for television.

Substantive discussions and incentives given to change votes happen away from the floor.

[undeterred]

7. They don't listen to each other and they don't listen to us.

There are no statesmen any more. Except for a very few.

[Curmudgeoness]

8. Forget the majority, I want every single one of them sitting there.

They should be there from call to order to adjournment. That is their job. Arrogant sons of bitches.

[Tx4obama]

10. Well the reason that I said majority ... was because ...

during long hours of debate some would need to leave for short breaks to run to the restroom, grab something to eat, etc.
As long as a majority is there and they rotate in and out, for say one hour breaks, - then that would work :)

[Curmudgeoness]

12. OK, I would give them a 5 minute bathroom break.

As to eating, if they want to eat, they can get to work and stop the madness. Or, they can order Subway sandwiches. Or take a short break when everyone stops to eat. Hell, I am ready to put a lock on the door right now and they will start to talk when they really really have to go potty.

[Tx4obama]

13. LOL :) n/t

[TheKentuckian]

9. The Constitution gives no mention to parties but I think you could require attendance.

[Tx4obama]

11. The Constitution wouldn't have to be considered. It could be a House/Senate rule. n/t

[TheKentuckian]

14. Granted, I do think such rules are easily overturned as unconstitutional and any member would have

standing just as the filibuster can be destroyed at any time by declaring the Constitutional option.

Rules cannot supersede the Constitution and hold up to even a verbal challenge.