Calls to End Filibuster Amid Government Shutdown
In a recent interview on “The Story,” Kevin Hassett, the Director of the White House National Economic Council, urged Republicans to eliminate the filibuster to resolve the ongoing government shutdown, showing his support for President Donald Trump.
He echoed Trump’s sentiments from Truth Social, advocating for the “nuclear option,” which would do away with the 60-vote requirement, allowing Republicans to pass federal funding with just a simple majority.
Hassett noted that keeping the filibuster as an option could be crucial, especially if Democrats attempt to “permanently shut down the government.”
Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune have shown some caution regarding the idea of dismantling the filibuster and its 60-vote barrier.
Hassett speculated that Democratic leaders might be trying to undermine Trump’s recent accomplishments, including a notable agreement made with Chinese President Xi Jinping concerning soybeans. “We’re not going to keep the government shut down forever,” he remarked, emphasizing the need to prevent harm to American citizens.
The necessity to end the government shutdown was further underscored by Hassett’s concern about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This program, which aids roughly 42 million Americans, is set to expire on November 1. Should this occur, it would mark the first suspension in 60 years due to a government shutdown.
“We are looking to use emergency funding from the Department of Agriculture,” he stated, following directives from federal judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island to access emergency resources as the deadline approaches.
However, he criticized a recent ruling from what he termed a “liberal judge,” asserting that relying on emergency funds could jeopardize future assistance in times of natural disasters or food shortages. In response, Senator Cory Booker condemned Trump for what he described as “using hunger as a political weapon,” referencing SNAP.
Booker expressed his discontent with the current Republican leadership, calling it “brutal.” In contrast, Hassett contended that it is the Democrats who need to honor their “constitutional obligation” to reopen the government. “We just don’t understand what they’re doing anymore,” he added.
