Trump urges Republicans to invoke the "nuclear option," scrap Senate filibuster

Washington [US], October 31 : US President Donald Trump on Thursday urged Senate Republicans to invoke the "nuclear option" and abolish the filibuster, arguing that doing so would enable them to end the ongoing government shutdown and pass legislation with a simple majority.

"It is now time for the Republicans to play their 'TRUMP CARD,' and go for what is called the Nuclear Option Get rid of the Filibuster, and get rid of it, NOW!" Trump posted on Truth Social.

https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/115466450476422202

Trump's comments followed his return from an Asia trip, during which he said he was questioned about "how Democrats shut down the government, and why did the powerful Republicans allow them to do it?"

The filibuster, a Senate rule that typically requires 60 votes to advance legislation, has long been a point of contention in Washington. Trump pointed out that several Democratic senators, including those under then-President Joe Biden, had previously called for changes to the rule to safeguard voting rights and abortion access. However, those proposals failed to secure full support within the party.

Trump further contended that Democrats would not hesitate to scrap the filibuster if given the chance to pursue their own legislative priorities, such as granting statehood to Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.

"Well, now WE are in power, and if we did what we should be doing, it would IMMEDIATELY end this ridiculous, Country destroying 'SHUT DOWN,'" Trump wrote. "If the Democrats ever came back into power, which would be made easier for them if the Republicans are not using the Great Strength and Policies made available to us by ending the Filibuster, the Democrats will exercise their rights, and it will be done in the first day they take office, regardless of whether or not we do it."

Trump's remarks come as the shutdown continues to strain federal operations and public services, with growing calls from both parties for a legislative breakthrough.

The Senate filibuster rule, which requires most legislation to secure 60 votes for passage, has become a central point of debate as the government shutdown stretches beyond 30 days, The Hill reported.

Under the current rule, the minority party holds significant influence in blocking bills, effectively limiting the majority's ability to pass its agenda. While past reforms have reduced the threshold for confirming judges and nominees to a simple majority, broader legislative changes still require 60 votes, according to The Hill.

With Senate Republicans holding 53 seats, it remains uncertain whether they have enough backing within their ranks to abolish the filibuster entirely.

In recent days, some GOP lawmakers have increasingly discussed potential rule changes if Democrats do not agree to end the shutdown. However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has publicly stated that he opposes weakening the filibuster, The Hill reported.

Even Republicans who have previously supported preserving the filibuster have suggested the possibility of introducing a limited exemption to the 60-vote threshold, specifically to facilitate reopening the government.

On the other hand, Senate Democrats have stood firm against approving a continuing resolution that maintains current funding levels. They have insisted that any such measure must also include an extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of the year.

Lawmakers from both parties have expressed concern that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits could start expiring on November 1. There is also growing anxiety over mounting flight delays at major airports due to the shutdown's impact on air traffic controllers, The Hill added.

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