Senate Republicans are intensifying their calls for changes to filibuster rules if Democrats continue the government shutdown. However, Senate Minority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has voiced his opposition to altering the safeguards that protect minority rights.
Initially, there wasn’t much chatter about reforming the filibuster amidst the shutdown, but as the impasse continues, it’s become a hot topic among Republicans.
Even some Republicans who have traditionally defended the filibuster are discussing the possibility of lowering the 60-vote requirement just to reopen the government.
Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) remarked, “Two weeks ago, there wasn’t a peep about the filibuster. Now, given the Democrats’ lack of willingness to negotiate, maybe it’s a feasible option.” He added, “I’m not sure what the outcome will be. It feels like neither side is ready to give in, so we’re stuck. And honestly, it’s the American people who suffer.” Tuberville previously championed maintaining the filibuster after Republicans regained the Senate majority last year.
In November, he had firmly stated, “We need to preserve the filibuster,” during an interview with NBC News.
During a recent meeting at the White House, Republican senators indicated that filibuster changes were not on the agenda, but they expect Trump to start applying pressure on Thune if the shutdown extends into November.
One anonymous Republican senator expressed concern, stating, “The White House pressure will be significant. I predict Trump will push for solutions to end the shutdown, even if it means bypassing the filibuster.” He highlighted the urgent ramifications of a prolonged shutdown, warning about potential cuts to SNAP benefits and military pay.
“We could reach a point where people can’t even afford food,” the senator reiterated.
He also noted, “There’s going to be a breaking point. The longer the Democrats remain firm, the more it invites discussions about what actions can be taken.” He suggested that once November 1st passes, public sentiment could shift dramatically.
Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) stated that while Republicans want to sustain the 60-vote requirement, there is a “chance” they might pursue a carve-out to resolve the shutdown.
Johnson criticized Democrats for ignoring longstanding norms, claiming they have repeatedly dismissed funding resolutions passed by the House on several occasions.
He further accused Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of pushing strategies that disregarded traditional practices around Supreme Court nominations.
Thune remains resolute against discussions about diluting the filibuster, emphasizing his commitment to Senate traditions when he campaigned for majority leader. “It’s not a good idea to eliminate the filibuster for reopening the government,” he noted on Monday.
When asked about possible changes to the filibuster, Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) affirmed her support for maintaining the 60-vote threshold to pass legislation. However, she mentioned she would consider any plans to reopen the government, even if they involved broader reform.
Collins, a prominent moderate, acknowledged that the “nuclear option” to abolish the filibuster has been discussed. “I’m a strong supporter of the filibuster, but I’ll look at any proposal aimed at reopening the government,” she said.
Changing significant Senate rules like the filibuster through a simple majority vote is a contentious notion, often described as a nuclear option due to its far-reaching implications.
Senator Josh Hawley (R-Missouri) argued that all possible solutions should be explored if the shutdown drags on indefinitely. He recalled instances when Republicans amended Senate rules to expedite the approval of lower-level executive nominees after Democrats blocked numerous appointments.
“I want to tell Democrats: Remember what happened when we had to alter the nomination rules to counter unprecedented blockage,” he remarked. “If this continues, the suffering faced by working families might force us to consider every option.” He added that it’s crucial for people to access medical care through the Veterans Administration and receive food assistance during tough times.
While Trump hasn’t emphasized changing the filibuster recently, it did gain focus during his first term when Democrats obstructed his legislative efforts.
In a statement to appropriations committees in 2018, he suggested the filibuster be abolished, predicting Schumer would attempt to do so if Democrats regained power. This anticipation came to light when Schumer and Senate Democrats sought to modify filibuster rules to advance the Voting Rights Act in early 2022, but they ultimately fell short after moderate Democrats sided with Republicans to keep the filibuster intact.
