Summary
President Trump called on Republican Senators to end the filibuster, a Senate rule that makes passing some laws harder, so they could quickly reopen the government, which is experiencing the longest shutdown in history. Many Republican Senators, including their leader John Thune, resist this idea. President Trump also criticized other Senate traditions and suggested they should change to make passing his proposals easier.
Key Facts
- President Trump has asked Republican Senators to end the filibuster to expedite government actions.
- Ending the filibuster would allow measures to pass with a simple majority.
- The U.S. government is experiencing its longest shutdown in history.
- Some Republican leaders, like John Thune, do not support ending the filibuster.
- President Trump also wants to eliminate the "blue slip" process, which lets senators block certain nominations.
- He believes these changes would help pass his agenda without needing Democratic support.
- A recent election resulted in significant Democratic victories, emboldening the party.
- Despite Trump's wishes, there is not enough support among Republicans to change the filibuster rule.
