(TheRedWire.com) – Republican senators have relied on the filibuster to delay or kill Progressive legislation with the chamber evenly split at 50/50 and Vice President Kamala Harris able to cast the tie-breaking vote in favor of Democrats. Previously, controlling parties have modified filibuster rules, sometimes for specific votes, allowing them to pass controversial legislation like former President Donald Trump’’s tax bill.
On Tuesday, July 13, in an interview with National Public Radio (NPR), Vice President Kamala Harris said she has spoken with senators about a possible voting rights exception to the filibuster. However, she stated that she would not publicly negotiate the issue.
Get it @VP https://t.co/14k58Ontdh
— Barbara Malmet (@B52Malmet) July 13, 2021
House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-SC), a close friend of the White House according to NPR host Asma Khalid, suggested the filibuster modification. In this case, it would be a one-time exception that might allow Democrats to pass the “For the People” act with a simple majority.
Currently, a three-fifths majority (60 votes) is required to overcome a filibuster.
Khalid asked Harris if she believed modifying the filibuster was a good idea and whether or not she supported it. The VP responded that of all the problems the US Congress could take on, unlocking the right to vote opens the doors to all other rights. Khalid asked if modifying the filibuster is something she had been advocating among her former colleagues. Harris responded she didn’t intend to negotiate through a public forum. She said she has held private discussions with key lawmakers.
Copyright 2021, TheRedWire.com
