(Daily Signal)—A bipartisan Senate duo claims it has the answer to “Save the Senate.” The proposal to eliminate cloture votes, limit dead floor time, increase debate time, and create multiple “fast-tracks” for bills could allow the Senate to pass more legislation.
The rule changes, proposed by retiring Republican Sen. Steve Daines of Montana and Democrat Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon, seek to limit dead floor time, limit omnibus bills and backroom deals, and move legislation faster, much like the lower chamber. Their goal is to get the proposal passed before Daines departs and the new Congress convenes in January.
“More bills passed, more votes taken, less time wasted. That sums up,” Daines said in a Semafor interview with Merkley announcing the proposal.
Overall, the proposed rules address one of the greatest frustrations many have with the Senate: The chamber doesn’t accomplish much.
According to House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Republicans have passed “700 bills that are sitting in the Senate, including the SAVE America Act and a ban on members of Congress trading stock.” Just a few weeks ago, the Senate spent nearly two weeks working to pass the College Sports Bill.
What often holds the Senate back is the cloture vote, the requirement for 60 votes needed to end a filibuster.
The senators propose reducing dead floor time to allow more time for votes. They want to eliminate the 60-vote requirement, known as the cloture vote, for some routine business and procedural votes and eliminate the “intervening day,” the full calendar day between filing and voting. They also want to reduce the 30-hour waiting period, called post-cloture consideration, to allow more time to pass legislation.
The senators want to establish a “fast-track” process to allow committee-passed bills to pass on the Senate floor with a two-thirds vote. Committee chairs and ranking members would be involved in the process. A second fast-track process would be created for legislation out of the Appropriations Committee, the yearly bills that appropriate taxpayers’ money. There would be “extensive opportunity” for amendments and specific rules for bipartisan bills.
Fears It Will ‘Strengthen the Swamp’
Sen. Mike Lee told the Daily Signal he has some concerns with the proposed rules, specifically citing the removal of procedural hurdles for appropriators.
“I’m concerned that this proposal would have many of the downsides of eliminating the filibuster and none of the upsides,” Lee said.
“Allowing Senate appropriators to spend taxpayer dollars with fewer procedural hurdles strengthens the Swamp instead of draining it,” he continued.
But for now, the proposal is just that, a proposal.
The two senators’ goal is to finish the initial draft this month, hold member meetings in November and December, and seek support during the period between the election and the new Congress known as the lame-duck session. Daines and Merkley are both pushing for a vote during the lame-duck session. They only need 67 senators on board to change Senate rules, but they are seeking full support.
“Senator Daines is seeking support across the Republican conference, the ideological spectrum, and the seniority spectrum—from a committee chairman to a first-term senator,” Daines’ office told the Daily Signal.
“We have met with multiple senators’ staff across our ideological spectrum and across our seniority spectrum, and absolutely that includes Steering [Committee],” the office said.
“Conversations will substantially increase as we try to grow support, fine tune, finish the product, and grow support for the product in the next two and a half months or two months.”
Ryan Wrasse, spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader John Thune, told Semafor, “Thune is always open to discussing ways to make the Senate function in a more effective and efficient way, and he applauds Sen. Daines for thinking outside the box. Since no rules change can be implemented unilaterally, building a bipartisan consensus will be key to any modification of the existing process.”
Daines also told Semafor that they “got a thumbs up on it” from key players in the White House.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.