Schumer nodded to the filibuster: ‘Nothing is off the table’

Leader of the Senate minority Charles SchumerChuck SchumerPelosi axes idea of ​​Saturday’s vote on additional COVID permit Ex-Postal Service board member testifies Mnuchin attempts to make agency agency Democrats use convention to present Trump challenges MORE (DN.Y.) left the door open on Thursday to nix the legislature filibuster with 60 votes, saying Democrats “do what it takes” to enter their agenda as former vice president Joe BidenJoe BidenFive takeaways from the Democratic National Convention What we will remember from the 2020 Biden Convention Chris Wallace labels Biden’s acceptance speech ‘extremely effective’ WITH wins the White House in November.

Schumer said, in an interview with SiriusXM’s “The Joe Madison Show,” Democrats would have a “moral imperative” to get a “whole lot done” if Biden wins and Democrats have control over the House and Senate.

“We have a moral imperative for the people of America to get a great deal done, if we get the majority, whichever God willing we will, and keep it in the House, and Biden becomes president, and nothing is off the table, “Said Schumer.

“We’ll do what it takes to get this done. I’m hopeful, maybe if Trump continues and McConnell is no longer leader, some Republicans might work with us. But we’ll have to do it if they work with us or not, he added, referring to the Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellMcConnell to give keynote remarks as part of GOP convention Schumer on the filibuster’s nothing: ‘Nothing’s off the table’ McGrath challenges McConnell to three debates MORE (R-Ky.).

Schumer was asked about former President Obama’s support for denying the filibuster and the impact the procedural hurdle has on the Senate.

Obama, while delivering a eulogy for the late Rep. John LewisJohn LewisWhat we will remember from the 2020 Biden Convention, Atlanta Mayor awakens John Lewis: ‘The stick has now been passed on to each of us’ John Legend, Common tribute to John Lewis with ‘Glory’ achievements at Democratic convention MORE (D-Ga.) Earlier this year, the filibuster named a “Jim Crow relic” that must be removed to pass voting legislation.

An increasing number of Senate Democrats have been supportive, or at least open, appearing in favor of banning the legislative filibuster by 60 votes. Democrats, in 2013, lost the 60-vote filibuster for most nominations, and Republicans eliminated in 2017 the same hurdle for Supreme Court nominees.

Supporters to drop the procedure – which would likely be reduced to a simple majority – argue that without the change, key parts of the Democratic agenda from health care to combating climate change and structural reform would be a buzz in the Senate because Republicans could filibuster any piece of legislation, requiring it to overcome the hurdle by 60 votes to move forward.

Both Schumer and Senate Minority Whip Dick DurbinRichard (Dick) Joseph DurbinSchumer on the filibuster’s nod: ‘Nothing’s off the table’ Senate Democrats’ Super PAC Target Collins over Postal Service fears new digital ad Longtime Illinois Governor James Thompson dies on 84 MORE (D-Ill.), Schumer’s no. 2, indicated last year that they were open to the idea, although Schumer – expected to be the majority leader when Democrats gain control in November – said the focus should first be on winning the House of Representatives.

Republicans currently have a 53-47 majority in the House of Representatives. If Democrats occupy the House – which would require a net three-seat reception and the White House would be like a four-seat net gain for an established majority – they are still expected to have a relatively slim margin. That means under the current rules of filibuster, they would need the support of various GOP senators to get legislation passed.

Whether Democrats can use the ‘nuclear option’ to change the rules with only a simple majority remains uncertain, although they are likely to face intense pressure from outside activists to do so.

At least two senators – Sens. Joe ManchinJoseph (Joe) ManchinSchumer on kicking off the filibuster: ‘Nothing’s off the table’ Schumer promises ‘fat and dramatic change’ as Democrats win First Chamber Battle over Biden health care plan as Democrats win big MORE (DW.Va.) en Angus KingAngus KingSchumer on the filibuster’s nod: ‘Nothing’s off the table’ Maine delegation fears Trump will not deliver on trade aid to cancer industry Independent Al Gross wins Alaska Democratic Senate primary MORE (I-Maine), who has caucus with Democrats – said they oppose the 60-vote legislative filibuster.

The New York Times, quoting Democratic senators who have spoken to Schumer, also described the Democratic leader of the House of Representatives as “reluctant” to get rid of him, but that he polled members of the caucus.