WASHINGTON, Nov. 21 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement after the Senate decided to make it harder for the minority to block confirmation of the president’s nominees for judges and other top posts.

“Most Americans grew up believing that in America the majority rules. They also believe that this country deserves a Senate that is not dysfunctional and unable to address the needs of the American people. Unfortunately, in recent years the Republican minority has engaged in an unprecedented level of obstructionism. They have used the filibuster hundreds of times to delay or block the president’s nominees and to stop legislation from even being considered. Today’s decision by the Senate to let the majority rule on votes to confirm judges, cabinet secretaries and other senior administration officials is a step in the right direction toward ending dysfunction in the Senate.”