Thune Defends Filibuster Despite Trump’s Pressure to Eliminate
Submitted by MAGA Student
Posted 2 hours ago
**Filibuster Showdown: Thune Stands Firm Amid Trump’s Urgency**
Senate Majority Leader John Thune continues to defend the filibuster, despite pressure from former President Donald Trump to eliminate it.
During a recent meeting at the White House, Trump urged GOP lawmakers to scrap the 60-vote threshold, arguing that doing so would enable Republicans to push through significant legislation and revive the party's fortunes after a challenging election cycle.
But Thune, remaining steadfast, emphasized that the votes simply do not exist within the Republican caucus to modify this longstanding legislative tool.
"The practical reality is that there aren't the votes in the Senate, and frankly, not even close," Thune stated emphatically, reinforcing his commitment to preserving the filibuster as a crucial mechanism for safeguarding against far-left policies should Democrats regain dominance.
Thune's concerns echo a broader sentiment among Senate Republicans who recognize the potential repercussions of eliminating the filibuster. The majority leader argued that if the rule were to be discarded, it could open the floodgates for Democrats to advance a far-reaching agenda that includes packing the Supreme Court, enacting sweeping abortion rights, and federalizing elections—legislative actions that Republicans are eager to prevent.
Trump's frustrations were palpable, particularly in light of the ongoing government shutdown, which has stretched on for 36 days. He underscored that blocking the filibuster could potentially allow Republicans to fund the government independently, a notion that Thune reluctantly conceded was appealing.
However, Thune remains wary of the long-term implications of such a move. He articulated a clear stance: "Once that door is opened, the horse is out of the barn."
Several GOP senators echoed Thune's reluctance, signifying that while they appreciate Trump's fervency, many see the filibuster as a protective measure, especially when contemplating a future where their party may find itself in the minority again.
Senator Mike Rounds acknowledged Trump's point but remained skeptical, emphasizing the importance of the Senate's design to foster bipartisan solutions rather than quick fixes. Similarly, Senator John Kennedy articulated that senators must also be vigilant in protecting against the passage of inappropriate legislation should the balance of power shift.
Despite the pushback, some Republicans, including Senators John Cornyn and Josh Hawley, expressed a willingness to reevaluate their stance on the filibuster, particularly in light of the government shutdown, which has begun to shape their perspectives on strategy moving forward.
Amidst this backdrop, Thune's assurance that the filibuster is not going anywhere reflects a key division within the party—a clash between the urgency of immediate solutions advocated by Trump and the strategic caution espoused by traditional conservatives.
As negotiations continue, the Republican Party finds itself at a crossroads, exploring the delicate balance between action and preservation of its core legislative mechanisms.
Sources:
dailycallernewsfoundation.org
abcnews.go.com
zerohedge.com
Senate Majority Leader John Thune continues to defend the filibuster, despite pressure from former President Donald Trump to eliminate it.
During a recent meeting at the White House, Trump urged GOP lawmakers to scrap the 60-vote threshold, arguing that doing so would enable Republicans to push through significant legislation and revive the party's fortunes after a challenging election cycle.
But Thune, remaining steadfast, emphasized that the votes simply do not exist within the Republican caucus to modify this longstanding legislative tool.
"The practical reality is that there aren't the votes in the Senate, and frankly, not even close," Thune stated emphatically, reinforcing his commitment to preserving the filibuster as a crucial mechanism for safeguarding against far-left policies should Democrats regain dominance.
Thune's concerns echo a broader sentiment among Senate Republicans who recognize the potential repercussions of eliminating the filibuster. The majority leader argued that if the rule were to be discarded, it could open the floodgates for Democrats to advance a far-reaching agenda that includes packing the Supreme Court, enacting sweeping abortion rights, and federalizing elections—legislative actions that Republicans are eager to prevent.
Trump's frustrations were palpable, particularly in light of the ongoing government shutdown, which has stretched on for 36 days. He underscored that blocking the filibuster could potentially allow Republicans to fund the government independently, a notion that Thune reluctantly conceded was appealing.
However, Thune remains wary of the long-term implications of such a move. He articulated a clear stance: "Once that door is opened, the horse is out of the barn."
Several GOP senators echoed Thune's reluctance, signifying that while they appreciate Trump's fervency, many see the filibuster as a protective measure, especially when contemplating a future where their party may find itself in the minority again.
Senator Mike Rounds acknowledged Trump's point but remained skeptical, emphasizing the importance of the Senate's design to foster bipartisan solutions rather than quick fixes. Similarly, Senator John Kennedy articulated that senators must also be vigilant in protecting against the passage of inappropriate legislation should the balance of power shift.
Despite the pushback, some Republicans, including Senators John Cornyn and Josh Hawley, expressed a willingness to reevaluate their stance on the filibuster, particularly in light of the government shutdown, which has begun to shape their perspectives on strategy moving forward.
Amidst this backdrop, Thune's assurance that the filibuster is not going anywhere reflects a key division within the party—a clash between the urgency of immediate solutions advocated by Trump and the strategic caution espoused by traditional conservatives.
As negotiations continue, the Republican Party finds itself at a crossroads, exploring the delicate balance between action and preservation of its core legislative mechanisms.
Sources:
dailycallernewsfoundation.org
abcnews.go.com
zerohedge.com
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