Heinrich Votes To Reform Senate Rules, End Stalemate On Nominations

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after the Senate voted 52-48 to change its rules and end filibusters on presidential executive and judicial nominations, except to the U.S. Supreme Court:

"Opposition and obstructionism rather than accountability and deliberation have become far too common in Washington. 

"Today, we put an end to Senate Republicans repeatedly blocking qualified judicial and public service nominees from receiving an up or down vote. But there is still much more we can do to govern effectively and pass important legislation that would make a difference in the lives of the people of New Mexico.

"I applaud Senator Udall for leading this effort to alleviate dysfunction and increase accountability in the Senate."