U.S. Senator Ron Johnson recently changed his stance on the Senate filibuster rule, which has been a key barrier to passing government funding without bipartisan agreement. This shift is particularly striking given his previous comments in 2022, where he criticized Democrats for wanting to end the filibuster to gain “absolute power.” His change of heart coincides with the federal shutdown becoming the longest in U.S. history.
The filibuster requires 60 votes to pass certain legislation, a significant hurdle for the Republican majority, which currently stands at 53 seats. Without Democratic support, passing a funding bill remains a challenge.
President Donald Trump urged GOP senators to eliminate the filibuster, warning that failure to do so would hinder legislative progress. In response, Johnson expressed his agreement, stating that Democrats will dismantle the filibuster if it benefits their power. “We should act first to pass laws that help the American people,” he declared.
This is quite a turnaround from 2022 when Johnson argued against ending the filibuster to protect Senate traditions and promote bipartisanship. Back then, he labeled efforts to abolish it as a power grab by Democrats amid unfavorable polling and spending policies.
To better grasp the weight of these moves, it’s worth considering expert opinions on the impact of the filibuster. Political analysts often emphasize that while the filibuster can prevent legislation from passing, it also encourages compromise between parties. With over 60% of Americans opposing the elimination of the filibuster, according to recent surveys, many voters prefer a system that requires broader consensus.
In conversations around the ongoing government shutdown, Rep. Glenn Grothman shared insights from his time in Congress. He mentioned the filibuster’s frustrating delays, yet noted that many senators, even those who are more conservative, still support keeping it intact. Johnson’s sentiments stand in stark contrast to the views held by a portion of his Republican colleagues.
While political blame continues to be exchanged regarding the shutdown, Grothman described the situation as “completely unnecessary.” He pointed out that Republicans had previously voted to keep the government running under a Democratic presidency; he now calls for a similar cooperative spirit from Democrats. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin has pushed for extending tax credits to help maintain affordable healthcare, but Republicans have resisted negotiating on this front until a short-term funding bill is agreed upon.
Additionally, the Trump administration has faced criticism for withholding funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the shutdown. While federal judges have ruled that funds should be made available, delays are still likely. Baldwin criticized the administration for its delay in utilizing resources to support families in need during this critical time.
Amid the intense political struggle, public sentiment appears to reflect a craving for action. Voters are frustrated with the ongoing stalemate and want to see their representatives work toward solutions. Recent elections that favor Democrats suggest a desire for change, highlighting the urgency for both parties to come together and resolve the current impasse.
For further details, you can read more about the ongoing impacts of the government shutdown and related topics from trusted sources like the [American Political Science Review](https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.5325/jamalernagct.org). Keeping track of these developments is essential as the situation evolves.
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