Senate Democrat # 2 sets filibuster on fire

Illinois Sen. Dick durbinDick Durbin Oregon Senator takes center stage in Democrats filibuster debate GOP attacks Biden relief bill Democrats urge IRS to help unemployed use relief tax PLUS, Democrat No. 2 in the upper house, set fire to the legislative obstruction on Monday, arguing that it undermines democracy.

“Systematic obstruction continues to mock American democracy. The filibuster is still misused by some senators to block urgent legislation supported by a strong majority of the American people, ”Durbin said in a speech.

He added: “This is what the lowest legislative level looks like.”

Durbin’s speech comes as intense pressure builds from outside groups and within the Senate Democratic caucus to reject the legislative obstruction by 60 votes. Democrats currently lack the votes to invoke the “nuclear option,” which would take every member of their 50-seat caucus.

Without changes, supporters warn that huge swathes of President BidenJoe Biden The Hill’s Morning Report – Brought to you by Facebook – Biden hits the road, all COVID-19 relief law Oregon senator takes center stage in Democratic filibuster debate This week: Democrats are considering the next step after the victory of the coronavirus relief bill PLUSThe campaign’s biggest election promises are effectively dead upon arrival in the Senate, as at least 10 GOP senators are needed to pass most laws.

Durbin has been involved in behind-the-scenes discussions about possible rule changes, but his speech on Monday – where he likened the obstruction to a “weapon of mass destruction” that is holding the Senate “hostage” – marks his most strong public response. nowadays.

“Rather than protecting the finely balanced system that our founders created, the current filibuster imbalances the system, giving half of a branch of government what amounts to a veto over the rest of government. It fosters a stalemate, not good governance, ”Durbin said.

“It is not the guarantor of democracy. It has become the death grip of democracy, ”he added.

Durbin noted that he was open to discussing any rule changes, but threw his support behind returning to the “talking” obstruction that would require opponents of a bill to be physically on the Senate floor.

“If a senator insists on blocking the will of the Senate, he should at least pay the minimum price to be present. No need to phone anymore. … If the Senate continues to filibuster, we need to change the rules so that any senator who wants to immobilize the government will at least have some discomfort in the process, ”Durbin said.