McConnell talks about filibusters: Democrats want to ‘smash’ Senate rules

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellFormer HUD Secretary: Congress “Should Invest 0B in Direct Rental Assistance” NIGHT POWER: House approves .5T green infrastructure plan | Rubio seeks a defense bill to block offshore drilling, but some fear it will create a loophole | DC area lawmakers push for analysis before federal agencies can be relocated House approves green infrastructure plan. (R-Ky.) Discharged Thursday to Democrats amid renewed talk about eliminating the legislative filibuster if they regain majority in November.

McConnell, speaking from the Senate, noted that some progressives want to expand or reform the Supreme Court and that Democrats, more generally, are calling for Washington, DC, to be state 51.

“And to accomplish all of this, destroying the hallmark of the Senate that makes radical design change difficult. We have a complete political movement that literally tells us out loud that they have lost their patience with rule enforcement and that they may well declare war on the rulebook, “McConnell said.

He added that Democrats were under pressure to “smash the rules for passing legislation with a simple majority.”

Democrats are reviewing discussions about possible reform of the Senate filibuster rules, which require 60 votes to overcome procedural obstacles to the legislation.

While Democrats are increasingly confident in their chances of winning the Senate back on Election Day, it is unclear whether they could still lower the 60-vote threshold if they have a simple majority in 2021. Sens. Joe ManchinJoseph (Joe) ManchinManchin draws a line against the repeal of legislative filibuster Steyer backs Markey in the Massachusetts Senate primary The Hill’s Morning Report – COVID-19 alarms increase; Trump under fire over Russia MORE (DW.Va.) and King angusAngus KingManchin draws a line against the repeal of the legislative filibuster. The filibuster’s reform gains strength with the Democrats. (I-Maine) have indicated they would oppose getting rid of the legislative filibuster.

McConnell’s comments on Thursday come two days after he warned Democrats not to reject the filibuster if they win back the majority.

Senate minority leader Charles SchumerChuck Schumer: Night Defense: House panel votes to ban Confederate flag on all Pentagon properties | DOD Report Says Russia Works to Accelerate US Withdrawal from Afghanistan | Gang of Eight to Receive Information on Rewards on Thursday Top Intelligence Officials to Report to Gang of Eight on Thursday More than 1,700 Veterans Call on Senate to Pass State Law MORE (DN.Y.) responded Thursday that McConnell has been inconsistent in changing the Senate rules.

“It is not good to give advice. Leader McConnell has shown that he will change the rules when it suits his purposes and he will uphold the rules when it suits his purposes, ”said Schumer.