Summary
President Donald Trump is urging the Senate to end the filibuster rule to stop a government shutdown that has lasted for over a month. The filibuster is a Senate tactic that requires a 60-member majority to pass most legislation. Trump wants Republicans to use their current Senate majority to change the rule.
Key Facts
- President Trump wants the Senate to end the filibuster to end a government shutdown.
- A filibuster is a Senate practice that delays or stops voting on legislation.
- Overcoming a filibuster requires 60 votes in the 100-member Senate.
- The Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate.
- The government shutdown has lasted 31 days and could become the longest ever.
- Democrats are opposing new legislation over cuts to Medicaid and rising insurance premiums.
- Essential federal employees are working without pay until the shutdown ends.
- The shutdown could cost the U.S. economy between $7 billion to $14 billion.
