Democrats Eye Filibuster Reform After 2024 Election

Democrats Signal Potential Filibuster Reform After Election

With the 2024 election approaching, prominent Democrats are hinting at potential changes to the Senate filibuster, a rule requiring 60 votes to pass most legislation. Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, both seeking the Democratic presidential nomination, have expressed their desire to weaken or eliminate the filibuster. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has also suggested he would move to abolish it if Democrats secure a Senate majority.

The filibuster has been a source of frustration for Democrats, who often hold slim majorities in the Senate. This rule makes it difficult to pass transformative legislation without bipartisan support. Harris, Walz, and Schumer believe that eliminating or weakening the filibuster would allow them to enact their agenda more effectively.

However, there are concerns that eliminating the filibuster could lead to increased partisanship and instability in the Senate. Critics argue that it would allow the majority party to ram through legislation without considering the views of the minority. Additionally, some Democrats, such as Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Joe Manchin, have expressed opposition to filibuster reform.

The fate of the filibuster remains uncertain. If Democrats win control of the Senate and the presidency in 2024, they will have the opportunity to implement their desired changes. However, they will need to overcome internal divisions and potential Republican opposition to achieve this goal.