Summary
President Donald Trump called on Senate Republicans to end the Senate filibuster using the "nuclear option" to pass a government funding bill and end the shutdown. This action would allow Republicans to pass legislation with 50 votes instead of the usual 60 needed. However, there is not enough support among Republicans to end the filibuster, despite ongoing negotiations to reopen the government.
Key Facts
- President Trump urged Senate Republicans to use the "nuclear option" to end the filibuster.
- Ending the filibuster would let Republicans pass bills with just 50 votes.
- Currently, 60 votes are needed, and Republicans only have 47 Senate seats.
- Democrats are withholding votes for funding to negotiate on healthcare tax credits.
- In 2022, President Biden suggested ending the filibuster for voting rights, but it was blocked.
- Most Senate Republicans, including Leader John Thune, oppose ending the filibuster.
- Recent talks show some progress toward ending the government shutdown.
