US President Donald Trump is urging Republicans to abolish the Senate filibuster rule, a move that could potentially bring an end to the ongoing government shutdown and tensions with Democrats.
The filibuster, currently set at 60 votes, allows a relatively small group of senators to block legislation by a majority. However, with the current government standoff nearing its 30th day, Trump suggests using the "nuclear option" to get rid of this rule, citing that Democrats are "stone cold crazy".
Implementing such a change would only require a simple majority of 51 votes and could potentially weaken Senate traditions. Despite Trump's appeal, many Republicans remain opposed, with Senator John Curtis stating, "The filibuster forces us to find common ground in the Senate. Power changes hands, but principles shouldn't. I'm a firm no on eliminating it."
However, some Senate Republicans have expressed openness to this idea, including Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, who describes the proposal as "probably a viable option".
The House speaker, Mike Johnson, has taken a more cautious approach, expressing concerns about the potential downsides of using the "nuclear option", but avoiding direct disagreement with Trump.
A move to alter chamber rules could potentially set a new precedent, with Senate Republicans poised to take action if they gain sufficient support from their colleagues.
The filibuster, currently set at 60 votes, allows a relatively small group of senators to block legislation by a majority. However, with the current government standoff nearing its 30th day, Trump suggests using the "nuclear option" to get rid of this rule, citing that Democrats are "stone cold crazy".
Implementing such a change would only require a simple majority of 51 votes and could potentially weaken Senate traditions. Despite Trump's appeal, many Republicans remain opposed, with Senator John Curtis stating, "The filibuster forces us to find common ground in the Senate. Power changes hands, but principles shouldn't. I'm a firm no on eliminating it."
However, some Senate Republicans have expressed openness to this idea, including Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, who describes the proposal as "probably a viable option".
The House speaker, Mike Johnson, has taken a more cautious approach, expressing concerns about the potential downsides of using the "nuclear option", but avoiding direct disagreement with Trump.
A move to alter chamber rules could potentially set a new precedent, with Senate Republicans poised to take action if they gain sufficient support from their colleagues.
I'm all for finding common ground and compromise, but this filibuster rule thing seems like a major power play to me. I get that it can be frustrating when you're in the minority, but trying to "nuclear option" your way out of the problem just feels like throwing the baby out with the bathwater, you know? 
What's next, just dissolve the Senate altogether? 
As for Trump saying Democrats are "stone cold crazy", that's just not productive at all... 
Can't we just have a civilized conversation and find some middle ground here? 
. I mean, I get it, politicians being politicians... but the filibuster has been around for ages and allows for actual compromise. It's not like they're not finding common ground, it's just that Democrats aren't always willing to budge on some stuff 
. If we start messing with tradition, what's next? Removing the rules of debate? It's all about being pragmatic and working together... but I guess that's too hard for some folks 
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. Trump's all about "winning" and doesn't care about the consequences, but what's with his 'stone cold crazy' comment? Sounds like he's losing it 
. And poor John Curtis, stuck in the middle, saying what everyone knows already - the filibuster is a good thing! 
But hey, maybe Trump's onto something this time... probably not, but I'll keep an eye on this one 
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i mean i get it, government shutdowns are no joke but is this really what we need? weakening senate traditions like that? 
. But then again, if we get rid of the filibuster, don't we risk losing some of the democratic checks and balances in the Senate? 
And what's with Trump calling Democrats "stone cold crazy" – can't he just call them out for being unreasonable instead? 
i mean i think senator curtis makes some good points though, like shouldn't we be finding common ground or watever