Sen. Chuck Schumer may have hinted he would move to end the 60-vote threshold when he becomes majority leader around Jan. 20, telling fellow Democrats that “if our Republican colleagues decide not to partner with us in our efforts to address these issues, we will not let that stop progress. “
Schumer, a Democrat from New York, did not specifically reference the filibuster in his letter to fellow party members. He told them in the letter that the party would begin moving “the bold change our country demands, and the help that our people need,” beginning with legislation to provide $2,000 stimulus checks and additional coronavirus relief aid.
Democrats can unilaterally get rid of the filibuster if all 50 party lawmakers and incoming Vice President Kamala Harris vote to approve the change. At least five Democrats, however, have either refused to back an end to the filibuster or have not indicated how they would vote. Schumer has not indicated whether Democrats would make the move.
Schumer said in the letter that he would attempt to work with the GOP, who under the current rules would have to provide at least 10 votes from their own party to advance or pass legislation.
He outlined an ambitious Democratic agenda that will tackle climate change, the economy, healthcare, child care, workers’ rights, tax reform, immigration reform, and criminal justice reform.
“When and where we can, we will strive to make this important work bipartisan,” Schumer said. “The Senate works best when we are working together with our Republican colleagues. However, if our Republican colleagues decide not to partner with us in our efforts to address these issues, we will not let that stop progress.”
