What’s Next In The Filibuster Fight After Republicans Block Voting Rights Bill

LOADING ERROR LOADING Republicans used the filibuster to block debate on the sweeping voting rights, campaign finance, redistricting and ethics reform bill that congressional Democrats introduced as their top priority after winning control of the White House and both chambers of Congress. Democrats who support changing the filibuster rules used the GOP blockade of the voting rights bill as a jumping-off point for their renewed advocacy. Groups backing the For The People Act will be, “putting millions of dollars on television and digital,” to mobilize grassroots support for changing the filibuster rules, Zupnick added. “Hopefully, senators can then focus on crafting policies through open legislative processes and amendments, finding compromises that earn broad support.” Other proposals to change the filibuster rules circulating among Democrats include requiring the filibustering minority to hold at least 40 senators on the floor continuously while blocking a bill or creating a filibuster carve-out for legislation that expands the right to vote. “This is only the beginning.” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer similarly noted that the GOP filibuster of the bill would not halt Democrats’ pursuit of voting rights legislation.