Some gridlock has been broken in one legislative chamber in Washington. The U.S. Senate has recently reached deals regarding immigration reform, student loan interest rates, the farm bill, and some federal nominations.

Senator Chuck Grassley tells KNIA/KRLS News the 60-vote supermajority needed to end debate necessitates compromise and bipartisanship. He says those compromises are more difficult in the House due to its structure. Turnover happens more often due to their two-year terms, and only a simple majority is needed to pass legislation. That, Grassley explains, lends itself to more majority rule and makes bipartisanship less likely.