Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., avoided answering whether he would support eliminating the filibuster following President Donald Trump’s recent call for its removal. During an interview with CNN’s Dana Bash, Raskin was asked if he agreed with Trump’s push to end the filibuster, as he had previously supported the move under President Joe Biden. Raskin instead directed the conversation toward the current government shutdown, emphasizing the need for Republicans to address healthcare and economic issues rather than focusing on procedural changes. He noted that the Senate’s role in these matters was separate from his position as a House member.
Raskin had previously supported ending the filibuster in 2021 to expedite investigations into the January 6 Capitol riot but now appears to focus on substantive policy reforms over procedural changes. Senate Republicans have not shown interest in taking the ‘nuclear option’ to eliminate the filibuster despite Trump’s urging, with Majority Leader John Thune stating there is insufficient support for such a move at the moment.
The ongoing government shutdown has intensified tensions between Democrats and Republicans, with Raskin and other House Democrats criticizing the GOP for their handling of the crisis. They argue that the shutdown is harming millions of Americans who rely on programs like SNAP and Medicaid. Raskin emphasized that Republicans need to come to the table and resolve the issue, rather than focusing on procedural changes like the filibuster. This stance reflects a broader Democratic strategy to prioritize substantive policy reform over procedural changes.
While Trump has repeatedly called for Republicans to end the filibuster, his influence on the Senate remains limited. The majority of Senate Republicans have shown no interest in pursuing the ‘nuclear option’ despite his public endorsements. This lack of support may indicate a reluctance to alter the rules of the Senate, possibly due to concerns about losing control of the chamber or a desire to avoid further polarizing the already divided body. Raskin’s comments highlight the complexity of the issue, as Democrats continue to seek ways to pass their agenda while Republicans focus on maintaining the status quo.
The situation underscores the broader challenges facing both parties in the current political climate. As the shutdown continues, the pressure on Republicans to resolve the crisis increases, while Democrats remain focused on their legislative agenda. The fate of the filibuster and its potential elimination remains uncertain, with no clear consensus among either party on the matter. Raskin’s position, while not fully resolved, reflects the broader Democratic stance on the issue, emphasizing the importance of substantive policy work over procedural changes.