On Monday, Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) proposed employing a “nuclear option” to resolve the ongoing government shutdown, suggesting it might be necessary to bypass the Senate’s filibuster rules that require a 60-vote majority to reopen the government.
“We need to reconsider the 60-vote threshold, which we really are,” Roy mentioned to reporters.
Senate rules stipulate that a minimum of 60 senators is needed to cut off debate and move past the filibuster for most legislation. This requirement is hindering the Republican majority from reopening the government due to Democratic opposition.
Recently, Senate Republican leaders used the “nuclear option” to approve President Trump’s nominees without needing Democratic support. However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) indicated that he does not plan to use this tactic for the continuing resolution (CR) aimed at reopening the government.
Despite this, Roy believes the idea should still be on the table.
“Why don’t we at least consider the CR?” he asked. “Why aren’t we saying that we have a 50-vote requirement for the budget and reconciliation? Why not also for funding the government?”
The 60-vote threshold has often been viewed by Republicans as a safeguard against a Democratic majority. Earlier this year, Thune emphasized that maintaining the filibuster is a priority for him.
“I appreciate being able to block negative outcomes with 60 votes, don’t get me wrong. But it feels like a one-way street. Essentially, [former Sen. Kyrsten] Sinema (I-Ariz.) and [former Sen. Joe] Manchin (D-W.Va.) would eliminate the 60-vote requirement to push through their agenda,” Roy remarked.
He added, “I think Republicans ought to seriously reevaluate the 60-vote threshold because we seem to be trapped in a flawed system right now.”
Roy’s views resonate with other Republican lawmakers. For instance, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) has also suggested that the “nuclear option” should be considered to end the shutdown.
However, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) has cautioned against this strategy.
“Is that a smart move? Many would argue no,” Johnson stated at a recent press conference. “I would be very worried if the Democratic Party held a slim majority in the Senate and extreme ideologies took root. Should we allow them to have unchecked power to reshape our country? I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
