Democrats weigh ending the Senate filibuster as they take control of the chamber
Sen. Chris Van Hollen has announced a bid against Chuck Schumer for majority leader and backs ending the filibuster.
Democratic senators are leaving open the possibility of eliminating the Senate filibuster as their party prepares to take control of the chamber. Sen. Ed Markey said the filibuster has to be on the table, while Sen. Andy Kim warned that changing the rules could have consequences long after Democrats leave power.
Ending the 60-vote threshold would let Democrats pass most legislation with a simple majority, weakening Republicans' ability to block their agenda. The same change would also give Republicans that advantage if they regain control. Trump had pressed Senate Republicans to abolish the filibuster during the fight over the SAVE America Act.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., announced he will run against Schumer for Senate Majority Leader and supports ending the filibuster, calling it anti-democratic. Schumer declined to say whether he would back ending the filibuster if Democrats win the White House in 2028, and he faces scrutiny from progressives.
By the numbers
- 60votes currently needed to advance most legislation in the Senate
Key points
- Kim urged pushing legislation through other means before changing the rules.
- Democrats are debating whether to act while Trump remains in office or wait until 2028.
- Party leadership is under debate as Democrats prepare to take over the majority.
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