Trump Urges Republicans to End the Senate Filibuster
US President Donald Trump renewed his call on fellow Republicans to eliminate the Senate filibuster as the government shutdown entered its 38th day, showing no signs of resolution.
Trump's Messages on the Filibuster
“Republicans, Terminate the Filibuster and bring back the American Dream. If you don’t do it, the Dems will, and you’ll never see office again!”
“Just say NO (Nuclear Option!). TERMINATE THE FILIBUSTER!”
He has been increasingly focused on pushing to scrap the filibuster to expedite reopening the government, despite strong opposition from many GOP senators.
Continuing Pressure from Trump
In a video released Wednesday, Trump stated that the Senate’s 60-vote requirement to pass legislation should be “terminated.” During a White House breakfast the same day, he encouraged Republicans to end the shutdown, suggesting the six-week impasse had negatively impacted Tuesday’s elections, which mostly favored Democrats.
Senate Efforts to End the Shutdown
Republican senators are working on a bipartisan package of spending bills aimed at securing new Democratic votes to reopen the government. However, Democrats have rejected reopening 14 times, insisting on extending expiring health care subsidies, which are not expected to be included in the proposed legislation.
Key Points
- Trump urges Republicans to scrap the filibuster to speed government reopening.
- The government shutdown has lasted 38 days with no resolution.
- Many GOP senators oppose ending the filibuster.
- Democrats demand an extension of health care subsidies in exchange for reopening.
Author's summary: President Trump intensifies calls to end the Senate filibuster to break the deadlock on reopening the government amid a prolonged shutdown and political standoff.