Sen. Sinema’s Departure Heightens Threat to Filibuster

According to Politico, the Senate filibuster is facing a serious challenge with the impending departure of Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, I-Ariz., one of its main advocates in the Democratic Caucus.

It was also noted that Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., another staunch supporter of the filibuster, will also be leaving.

This development coincides with the announcement of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., stepping down from his leadership role. McConnell, who has worked on bipartisan agreements with Sinema and Manchin, made efforts to prevent changes to the filibuster rules by raising the debt ceiling.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., echoed the sentiments of many Democrats by calling for the elimination of the filibuster.

“If [Republicans] have legislation they wanted to pass and the filibuster stood in the way? The filibuster would be toast. It’s total politics,” Warren added.

According to Politico, if Republicans perform well in the upcoming November elections, McConnell’s successor may face pressure from Donald Trump and his allies to abolish the filibuster, a move Trump advocated for during his first term.

Senate Minority Whip John Thune, R-S.D., emphasized the importance of defending the filibuster rule and the Senate’s constitutional role, especially if Republicans secure a majority in the future.