Long wary of any changes in the legislature, Feinstein took note of her efforts to find bipartisan deals in areas like background checks and the Violence Against Women Act. But, she warned, if Senate Republicans “take advantage of the filibuster,” she would be open to changing the rules.
Ideally, the Senate can reach a bipartisan agreement on these issues, as well as a bill for the right to vote. But if that proves impossible and Republicans continue to exploit the filibuster by demanding cloture votes, I am open to changing the way. the Senate filibuster reign can be used, “Feinstein said in a statement.
“I don’t want to turn away from the traditions of the Senate, but I also don’t believe that one party should be able to prevent votes on important bills by exploiting the filibuster,” she said.
Senate Democrats, wary of staying ahead of Biden, noted earlier this week that he was not taking a specific position on whether he would drop the 60-vote threshold, the ultimate goal of reform advocates. Some Senate Democrats have suggested that they could have a “ talking filibuster ” that would require opponents to speak on the Senate floor, but also require a procedural threshold of 60 votes for legislation.
Feinstein’s statement comes just days after she told reporters she was concerned about the breaking down of the legislative filibuster because it could allow Republicans, when they regain their majority, to pass legislation that Democrats strongly oppose .
“I would say I am undecided,” said Feinstein, adding that the impact on a future GOP majority “is a factor, one of the reasons I hesitate.”
To make changes to the filibuster, all 50 members of the Senate Democratic caucus would need to support the change.
Manchin initially expressed his openness to making the filibuster “more painful,” but has subsequently reiterated several times that he believes the 60-vote threshold should be maintained.
“You know where my position is … There’s not a little bit of this and a little bit – there’s not a little bit here. You protect the Senate, you protect the institution and you protect democracy, or you don’t,” Manchin told reporters this week.