Raskin Avoids Commitment on Filibuster Amid Trump’s Comments

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) refrained from confirming his stance on abolishing the filibuster during an interview on Wednesday, despite previously advocating for it when President Biden was in office.

In an exchange with CNN’s Dana Bash on Tuesday night, he was asked about former President Donald Trump’s recent remarks about Republican setbacks and the ongoing government shutdown. Bash pointed out, “Trump has been quite vocal lately about removing the filibuster, something you seemed to support when Biden was president. Does that mean you’re on the same page now?”

Raskin responded carefully, saying, “At this time, there’s no need for procedural changes. We really need Republicans to understand the healthcare crisis they have imposed on this country.” He highlighted that millions could lose their health insurance due to escalating premiums and the termination of the ACA tax credit under Trump’s administration. He added, “We really need to restore those credits. While the wealthiest received trillions in tax cuts, we must reinstate millions to Medicaid who were turned away during the ACA rollout.” Such issues, he believes, are why Democrats have been performing well nationally.

Bash pressed further, asking, “So, you initially wanted to end the filibuster when Biden was in office, right? Are you saying you want to do the same now?”

Raskin dodged the question, noting, “Well, I’m not a senator, so I don’t have a vote in that matter.” He emphasized the necessity for Republicans to collaborate, reopen the government, and reinstate Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for those in need.

Raskin previously supported the idea of getting rid of the filibuster in 2021 after Senate Republicans blocked the formation of a commission to investigate the January 6 Capitol riot. He labeled the use of the filibuster in that context a “scandalous abuse of power, warranting an urgent end.”

However, as Trump continues to push for its elimination, Senate Republicans appear hesitant to embrace the “nuclear option,” with Senate Majority Leader John Thune stating that they “simply don’t have the votes” at this moment.