“It will depend on how disruptive they become,” the former vice president said of Senate Republicans who could leak legislation championed by a possible Biden administration. “But I think you’re going to have to take a look at it.”
In February 2020, Biden opposed ending the filibuster. Biden’s openness to change comes when he has won the Democratic nomination and is trying to attract skeptical left-wing voters.
“I think we have reached a point, a true inflection in American history. And I don’t think it’s any different than what Roosevelt found, “Biden told reporters Monday.” I think we have an opportunity to make a really systemic change. “
The filibuster refers to the senators’ efforts to block legislation and hinder the conduct of a vote by participating in an endless debate. Under current Senate rules, 60 votes are needed to invoke the closure, end the debate, and put the proposed legislation to a vote.
Southern segregationist senators used the filibuster to try to block multiple civil rights laws in the 1950s and 1960s, and Democrats denounced Senate Republicans for filibuster during the administration of former President Barack Obama.
Biden’s comments come amid a shift in messages from traditionally centrist Democrats, who are now no longer ruling out aggressive measures to pass legislation. The highlight, Biden’s ally, Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) Told POLITICO in June that he would not rule out banning the filibuster.
“I will not stand idly by for four years and will see the Biden administration’s initiatives blocked at every turn,” said Coons. “I’m going to try to find a way forward that doesn’t require removing what’s left of the structural railings, but if there is a Biden administration, it will inherit a disaster, at home and abroad.” It requires urgent and effective action. “
In 2017, Coons spearheaded a letter supporting the filibuster and blocking Democrats’ measures to eliminate him.
Biden may have an unlikely ally in his quest to end the filibuster – the man he tries to beat in November. In September 2017, President Donald Trump tweeted his approval to end the Fillibuster.
“With the ridiculous Filibuster Rule in the Senate, Republicans need 60 votes to pass the legislation, instead of 51,” Trump wrote. “I can’t get votes, FINISH NOW!”
But despite calls by the president to end the filibuster, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has refused to remove the 60-vote threshold for the legislation.
