Filibuster reform gains steam with Democrats – By Alexander Bolton (The Hill) / June 29 2020
Democrats are stepping talks about reforming or abolishing the filibuster if they win back the Senate and White House in November.
The renewed discussions are being spurred by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), an outspoken liberal who has long championed a revamping the procedural tactic that Democrats see as a serious obstacle to passing legislation and confirming nominees.
Merkley has floated various proposals with colleagues in recent days as polls show former Vice President Joe Biden widening his lead over President Trump and Democrats increasing their odds of picking up the three Senate seats needed for majority control if Biden wins.
“I just heard they started talking and I’m interested in listening to anything because the place isn’t working. I just heard about it this morning,” Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), a prominent moderate, said Thursday of the uptick in discussion about filibuster reform should Democrats win back the majority.
Manchin said he expected to review proposals from colleagues soon, and cited Merkley as a key player.
His willingness to review filibuster reform is a reflection of how frustrated Democrats — and many Republicans — have become with legislative gridlock.
Continue to article: https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/504806-filibuster-reform-gains-steam-with-democrats
