Harry Reid ‘not particularly optimistic’ Biden to push for end to filibuster

Former senator Harry reidHarry Mason Reid Harry Reid ‘not particularly optimistic’ Biden to push to eliminate filibuster Schumer becomes new Senate Majority Leader Biden faces daunting challenge to unite polarized nation (D-Nev.) Says he is “not particularly optimistic” that President Biden will ask Senate Democrats to remove the upper house filibuster rule and allow Democrats to pass his legislation directly in Congress.

In an interview with the New York Times, the former Democratic Senate leader said Biden’s preference to follow institutional precedent would likely prevail over calls from progressive and Democratic leaders in the House to change the rule.

“Knowledge Joe bidenJoe BidenFive examples of media sycophancy for Biden during inauguration week Drastic measures for hard times – caregiver needs mobile health apps Boycott sham impeachment MORE As I do, he will be very patient and try to continue as the Senate once was, ”Reid told The Times. “I am not particularly optimistic.”

Reid’s prediction comes as filibuster has become a sticking point in Senate power-sharing deal Minority Leader Mitch mcconnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnell Biden attends first church service as president in DC, stops by local bagel store Harry Reid ‘not particularly optimistic’ Biden to push to clear filibuster Senators spar on validity of Trump’s impeachment trial MORE (R-Ky.) And Senate Majority Leader Charles SchumerChuck SchumerCapitol Insurrection Fallout: A PATRIOT Act 2.0? Schumer calls for the DOJ watchdog to investigate Trump’s alleged efforts to oust interim AG loans. (DN.Y.) are trying to practice.

A deal proposed by McConnell would have forced Democrats to agree not to change the filibuster rule, which requires 60 votes to pass most laws. Schumer called the proposal “unacceptable”.

But with a 50-50 split in the Senate, Democrats are worried whether they will be able to win Republican support for Biden’s legislative agenda, starting with a $ 1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package. of dollars that includes another round of direct payments to most Americans.

His. Dick durbinDick Durbin Biden officials hold appeal with bipartisan group of senators on coronavirus relief plan Harry Reid ‘not particularly optimistic’ Biden to push to end filibuster Durbin: Senate should consider amending the filibuster systematic PLUS (D-Ill.), The Senate is not. The Democrat suggested Sunday that “of course” his party would consider changing the filibuster rule, which requires most legislations to reach 60 votes to pass the chamber, if Republicans attempt to cripple the chamber for the first two. years of Biden’s presidency.

“The American people want us to act, to act on this pandemic, to act on this economy and a host of other issues, and if this obstruction has become so common in the Senate that we cannot act, we we were just sitting there. helpless, shame on us. Of course, we should consider a rule change under these circumstances, “Durbin said on” Meet the Press “.

Democrats should get the support of everyone in their caucus to change the rule, including members who have already expressed opposition to the idea, such as the senator. Joe manchinJoseph (Joe) Manchin Biden officials hold appeal with bipartisan group of senators on coronavirus relief plan Harry Reid ‘not particularly optimistic’ Biden to push for filibuster Durbin: Senate should consider amending systematic obstruction PLUS (DW.V.).