One of the Senate’s leading defenders of tradition is endorsing a rules change to curb perceived filibuster abuse.

In a wide-ranging interview with Roll Call, Senate Appropriations Chairman Daniel Inouye, the longest-serving active Senator, blessed modifying rules to limit debate on procedural motions. …

Inouye cautioned against more extreme measures that might make the Senate function like the House.

“If there’s going to be a change in the filibuster rules, I hope we can work out something so that something like motion to proceed is not filibustered. I am for the filibuster,” Inouye said. “I have voted against wiping out filibusters because I represent a very small state, and my state is a state of minorities. We don’t have a majority group, and we believe in giving all minorities their day in court.”

—Chad Blair

Senator Inouye and wife with Hawaii performers from Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas, May 2, 2012.