Kamala Harris Isn’t Alone: Vulnerable Dems Want Current Filibuster Gone
Vice President Kamala Harris’ recent call to eliminate the Senate filibuster to pass abortion rights legislation has garnered support from several vulnerable Democratic senators. These senators, including Sens. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), have expressed varying degrees of support for changing the filibuster rules in the past.
Sen. Joe Manchin, an independent from West Virginia, has publicly opposed Harris’ stance, stating that abolishing the filibuster would undermine democracy and lead to a more partisan Senate. Despite this opposition, Harris remains committed to her position, arguing that eliminating the filibuster for abortion rights legislation would allow for a simple majority vote, thereby empowering individuals to make autonomous decisions about their reproductive health.
The Democratic Party’s ability to maintain their Senate majority is crucial for achieving this goal, as they require at least 51 votes to eliminate the filibuster. The outcome of the upcoming elections, particularly in states like Montana and Ohio, will significantly impact their chances of achieving this objective.
