What’s the filibuster and why does Trump want to get rid of it during the shutdown?
What happened
President Donald Trump has called for Republicans in the Senate to eliminate a longstanding procedural rule known as the filibuster. This rule requires that at least 60 senators out of the chamber’s 100 members agree for most bills to move forward. The call to action comes during a government shutdown, although specific details about the shutdown are not provided.
Key facts
- The filibuster is a Senate rule that effectively requires a supermajority of 60 votes to advance most legislation.
- President Trump is advocating for the removal of the filibuster to facilitate the passage of bills with a simple majority.
- The current composition of the Senate makes it challenging to reach the 60-vote threshold needed to overcome a filibuster.
Why it matters (for US readers)
The filibuster is a critical component of the legislative process in the U.S. Senate, designed to ensure that significant legislation has broad support. Removing it could fundamentally alter how laws are passed, potentially allowing for more rapid legislative changes when one party holds a simple majority. This could lead to significant shifts in policy depending on which party is in control, impacting various aspects of governance and public policy.
What we don't know yet
Details are limited at this time.
Sources
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