McConnell: Sinema told me she wouldn’t undo the filibuster

Minority Leader in the Senate Mitch mcconnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnell Schumer: Impeachment trial will be quick, doesn’t need a lot of witnesses McConnell: Power-sharing deal can continue after Manchin, Sinema back filibuster Budowsky: Summit on l state of emergency Biden-McConnell MORE (R-Ky.) Said Tuesday that Democratic Senator Kyrsten Sinema (Ariz.) Had told her directly that she would not support refusing the 60-vote legislative filibuster.

McConnell’s disclosure, made during a speech on the ground, comes after he signaled Monday night that he would agree to a power-sharing deal with the majority leader. Charles SchumerChuck Schumer MORE (DN.Y.) to advance to the Senate, where each party’s caucus holds 50 seats.

“She opposes the end of the legislative filibuster,” McConnell said Tuesday, referring to Sinema.

“Our colleague informed me directly last night that she would not change her route in any way,” he added.

When contacted for comment, Sinema’s office confirmed that the GOP leader called the Arizona Democrat on Monday evening and “she confirmed to him what she has long said publicly – that she is opposes the elimination of legislative obstruction. “

Sinema and Sen. Joe manchinJoseph Manchin (DW.Va.) reiterated publicly on Monday that he would not support removing the 60-vote legislative filibuster. Democrats would need the support of their entire 50-member caucus to get rid of the long-standing rule, which means opposition from either senator would prevent Democrats from continuing.

A fight over filibuster kept the Senate Organizing Resolution in limbo for days after McConnell demanded a deal to protect filibuster be included in the power-sharing deal with Schumer – a request rejected by the Democrats.

McConnell announced Monday evening that the power-sharing deal could now continue after comments from Manchin and Sinema. Schumer did not directly respond to comments from the two Democratic senators during his speech on Tuesday.

“I am happy that we are finally able to make the Senate work. My only regret is that it has taken so long, because we have a lot to accomplish,” Schumer said.

Democrats are under intense pressure to end legislative obstruction, as progressives and a growing number of Democratic senators warn against health care legislation, democratic reform and the franchise, among other major priorities.

McConnell on Tuesday argued that getting rid of it would trigger “immediate chaos,” especially in a 50-50 Senate.

“It would hamper Biden’s presidency on a takeover that the president has taken decades to warn about and still opposes,” he said.

Updated at 12:42 p.m.