Meaning: The quote you've provided touches on the issue of the filibuster in the U.S. Senate and its impact on the ability to bring about change in Washington. The speaker, Peter Fenn, is suggesting that the filibuster is a significant barrier to progress and that, in order to address the various issues facing the country, this procedural hurdle needs to be confronted.

The filibuster is a parliamentary procedure used in the U.S. Senate to delay or prevent a vote on a particular piece of legislation. It allows senators to extend debate indefinitely unless a supermajority of 60 senators agrees to invoke cloture and end the debate. This means that even though a majority of senators may support a bill, it can still be effectively blocked by a minority through the threat of filibuster.

The impact of the filibuster on the legislative process is significant. It can lead to gridlock, making it difficult for the Senate to pass important legislation. This has been particularly evident in recent years, with high-profile bills on issues such as healthcare, immigration, and gun control failing to advance due to the threat of filibuster.

In his quote, Fenn aligns himself with President Barack Obama's view that there is a need for change in Washington. However, he highlights the filibuster as a major obstacle to achieving this change. By characterizing the filibuster as "runaway," Fenn suggests that it has been used excessively or inappropriately, hindering the functioning of the Senate and preventing meaningful progress on important issues.

The issue of the filibuster has been a topic of intense debate and controversy in recent years. Critics argue that it has been abused by both parties to obstruct the legislative process and prevent the majority from governing effectively. They point to instances where the threat of filibuster has been used to block popular or urgently needed legislation, leading to frustration among the public and contributing to the perception of a dysfunctional Congress.

On the other hand, defenders of the filibuster argue that it serves as an important check on majority power, preventing hasty or ill-considered legislation from being rushed through the Senate. They contend that the filibuster encourages compromise and forces senators to seek bipartisan support for their proposals.

However, the increasing use of the filibuster and its impact on the Senate's ability to address pressing issues has led to calls for reform. Some have advocated for a return to the traditional "talking filibuster," where senators would be required to actively hold the floor and speak in order to delay a vote. This would make filibustering more difficult and transparent, potentially discouraging its overuse.

Others have called for more comprehensive changes, such as lowering the threshold for cloture from 60 votes to a simple majority, or exempting certain types of legislation, such as budget bills or nominations, from the filibuster rule.

The debate over the filibuster is complex and reflects deeper tensions within the U.S. political system. It raises fundamental questions about the balance of power between the majority and minority in the Senate, the role of partisanship in the legislative process, and the ability of the government to address the needs and concerns of the American people.

In conclusion, the quote by Peter Fenn highlights the significance of the filibuster in shaping the dynamics of the U.S. Senate and its impact on the ability to effect change in Washington. The ongoing debate over the filibuster reflects broader questions about the functioning of the legislative process and the challenges of governance in a deeply divided political environment. Addressing the issue of the filibuster will require careful consideration of its implications for democratic governance and the ability of the Senate to respond to the pressing issues facing the nation.