Senator John Cornyn’s recent shift on the Senate filibuster has drawn criticism from some of its staunch supporters. Former Senator Joe Manchin from Virginia remarked that Cornyn, a Texas Republican, has seemingly abandoned his long-standing commitment to the 60-vote rule for political gain.
“When I served in the Senate, no one was as dedicated to maintaining the filibuster as Sen. Cornyn,” Manchin expressed in a pointed social media post. He pointed out that Cornyn understood the pressures he faced from his party to eliminate the filibuster in favor of Democratic control, emphasizing the need to avoid pushing the country past a critical point.
Manchin articulated frustration with what he sees as an extreme political climate that prioritizes party power, a sentiment that reflects broader disillusionment among Americans regarding the two-party system.
Cornyn, who is currently campaigning for a fifth Senate term in a tough runoff election, has called on his fellow Republicans to support a bill aimed at protecting voter eligibility. This effort may involve abolishing the filibuster. However, he anticipates strong opposition from Democrats, as most legislation in the Senate typically requires a supermajority to proceed.
This evolution in Cornyn’s stance marks a significant departure for Texas Republicans, who have traditionally championed the filibuster. He claimed, “I have always believed Texas and America would suffer more losses than gains if we ceased the filibuster,” but acknowledged the need for leaders to adapt to changing circumstances.
Cornyn is in a competitive race against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, and the support of previous President Donald Trump could be crucial. Trump has frequently urged Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster requirement to push through the SAVE America Act, a stance that Paxton has also endorsed.
Manchin, now an independent and not seeking re-election in 2024, mentioned that Cornyn reached out to him after successfully defending against Democratic attempts to repeal the filibuster under President Biden. Manchin, alongside some Republicans, previously voted against measures aimed at abolishing the filibuster.
Expressing disappointment, Manchin noted that it’s troubling to see Cornyn willing to abandon rules he once praised and acknowledged him for defending. Earlier, Cornyn himself advocated maintaining the filibuster while Republicans were in the minority, warning that power dynamics can easily shift.
In response, Cornyn rejected Manchin’s assertions and clarified that his change was not influenced by a desire to win Trump’s favor. He emphasized that Democrats do not possess moderates like Manchin or Sinema anymore, complicating negotiations.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated that the filibuster would remain intact, despite Cornyn’s recent appeals, noting that many Republican senators share a deep-rooted opposition to such drastic changes.
Even after stepping away from the public eye, Manchin has continued to advocate for the filibuster, asserting that the 60-vote barrier safeguards minority opinions and fosters bipartisanship—a principle he believes has been foundational to America’s institutional integrity.
Requests for comments from Cornyn’s office were pending.
