Feinstein, who has long been wary of any change in the legislative filibuster, notes her efforts to find dual deals in areas such as background checks and the Violence Against Women Act. But, she warned, if Senate Republicans ‘abused the filibuster,’ she would be open to changing the rules.
‘Ideally, the Senate could reach a dual agreement on the issues, as well as a bill on the right to vote. But if that turns out to be impossible and the Republicans continue to abuse the filibuster by requiring voting rights, I am prepared to change the way the senate governs. is used, ”Feinstein said in a statement.
“I do not want to deviate from the Senate traditions, but I also do not believe that one party should be able to prevent votes on important bills by abusing the filibuster,” she said.
Senate Democrats, who are cautious about advancing Biden, noted earlier this week that he does not take a specific stand on whether to get rid of the 60-vote threshold, the ultimate goal for reform advocates. Some Senate Democrats have soared that they may have a ‘talking filibuster’ that requires opponents to speak on the Senate floor, but also requires a 60-vote procedure threshold for legislation.
Feinstein’s statement comes days after she told reporters she was concerned about the abolition of the legislative filibuster because it could allow Republicans, when they are back in the majority, to pass legislation that strongly opposes Democrats.
“I would say I did not decide,” Feinstein said, adding that the impact on a future GOP majority “is a factor, one of the reasons I hesitate.”
To make changes to the filibuster, all 50 members of the Senate Democratic caucus will have to support the change.
Manchin initially expressed openness to make the filibuster more ‘painful’, but has since reiterated several times that he believes the 60-vote threshold should remain.
“You know where my position is … There is not a little bit of this and a little bit – there is not a little bit here. You protect the Senate, you protect the institution and you protect democracy, or you do it. not, ‘Manchin told reporters this week.