Democrats plan to squeeze GOP over filibuster
By Jordain Carney - 03/24/21 06:00 AM EDT Senate Democrats are eyeing the next phase of the filibuster fight as they plan a series of tests to try to squeeze Republicans and sway their colleagues wary of changing the Senate’s most famous rule.
As the House passes several big policy priorities, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) is vowing that he will put the bills on the floor this year, setting up high-profile showdowns on President Biden’s campaign promises.
Democrats say the strategy is two-fold: It will make Republicans go on the record in opposition and could demonstrate to Democrats wary of reforming the legislative filibuster that much of their agenda will be stuck in limbo without reforms.
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) pointed to House-passed bills or legislation coming out of Senate committees that unify the caucus and garner broad support as potential areas that could elevate the filibuster discussions among Democrats.
“If Dems are all fine, then we’ll bring them up on the floor and see if we can get Republican support. I think that’s probably the next step,†he said.
Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), during a Senate floor speech, urged Republicans to “show us†that the Senate can pass legislation with the 60-vote legislative filibuster intact.
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https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/544624-dems-plan-to-squeeze-gop-over-filibuster
