As the federal government shutdown threatens to become the longest in U.S. history, President Donald Trump is calling on Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster—a long-standing Senate rule—to break the political deadlock on Capitol Hill.
Trump posted overnight on his social media platform, “It is now time for the Republicans to play their ‘TRUMP CARD,’ and go for what is called the Nuclear Option—Get rid of the Filibuster, and get rid of it, NOW!”
With Republicans holding a 53-47 majority, ending the filibuster would allow them to pass a funding bill without Democratic support. The shutdown has already left millions of Americans facing the loss of SNAP benefits and higher health insurance premiums as Affordable Care Act open enrollment begins.
Understanding the Filibuster
The filibuster allows any senator to delay or block legislation by prolonging debate. It takes 60 votes to end discussion and move to a final vote, where a simple majority is then needed for passage.
The rule dates back to the 19th century, with the modern version established in 1917 under Rule 22, which created the “cloture” mechanism to end debate. While it empowers the minority party, it often frustrates the majority’s ability to advance legislation.
Both Trump and former President Joe Biden have previously pushed for changing or ending the filibuster to advance their respective agendas.
The ‘Nuclear Option’ Explained
The Senate has partially weakened the filibuster before. Under President Obama, the threshold for confirming most judicial and executive nominees was reduced to a simple majority. Republicans extended that change to Supreme Court nominations during Trump’s first term.
These exceptions are known as “going nuclear,” a term reflecting their dramatic impact on Senate tradition.
However, both parties have resisted abolishing the filibuster entirely, fearing political retaliation when control of the Senate shifts. Senate Majority Leader John Thune reaffirmed his opposition, saying his “position on the importance of the legislative filibuster is unchanged.”
For more on the government shutdown, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.