Four years ago this month, Senate Democrats came within a few votes of abolishing the filibuster rule, and in doing so lit a fuse that is still slowly smoldering in the U.S. Senate. Now, Republicans are debating whether they – and the country – would be better off waiting for Democrats to finally kill the 200-year-old tradition or dissolving it themselves while they still hold the majority.
Political pundits and historians often cite the filibuster as a major reason why the U.S. Senate is regarded as “the world’s greatest deliberative body.” The filibuster emerged in the early 19th century after the chamber dropped its “previous question” motion in 1806, unintentionally allowing unlimited debate and thus the ability of a determined minority to block legislation.
The filibuster was formalized in 1917 with the adoption of Rule XXII, which created a cloture process to end debate, initially requiring a two-thirds vote and later reduced to three-fifths of the Senate (60 votes) in 1975. Important carve-outs include budget reconciliation bills, judicial and executive branch nominations, and Congressional Review Act resolutions.
But what was once an extraordinary procedural weapon has now become commonplace. Although there have been more than 2,500 votes to end filibusters since 1917, a majority have occurred within the past 12 years, tracking closely with rising partisan polarization in the chamber. It now functions more as a source of gridlock than a protection of minority rights.
The most significant effort to date to kill the filibuster altogether came in January 2022, when Democrats attempted to abolish the rule in order to pass a slate of far-left policies advanced by the Biden administration. That effort resulted in embarrassing failure, as Democrat Senators Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema humiliated Democrats by siding with Republicans to block the measure 52 to 48.
However, the failed vote laid bare Democrat’s willingness to “nuke” the legislative filibuster once they regain the Senate majority – a majority that would not include the since-retired Manchin and Sinema.
In other words, the filibuster may already be beyond saving, and the only question remaining is which party will pull the trigger.
Even now, Democrats are using the rule to run out the clock on the Republicans’ governing majority. Last fall, Democrat Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer used this tactic to shut down the government for 43 days – the longest shutdown in U.S. history. Democrats’ weaponization of the filibuster has also effectively neutered Republican efforts to advance their agenda. At just 40 bills enacted in 2025, the GOP House and Senate delivered the lowest legislative output on record for the first year of a new presidency.
As a result, Some Republican leaders, including President Donald Trump, believe that eliminating the filibuster now is the best path forward.
Late last year, Trump sharpened his warning to Republicans: “The Democrats are far more likely to win the Midterms, and the next Presidential Election, if we don’t do the Termination of the Filibuster (The Nuclear Option!), because it will be impossible for Republicans to get Common Sense Policies done with these Crazed Democrat Lunatics being able to block everything by withholding their votes,” the President wrote in a post on Truth Social.
“FOR THREE YEARS, NOTHING WILL BE PASSED, AND REPUBLICANS WILL BE BLAMED. Elections, including the Midterms, will be rightfully brutal,” he continued. “If we do terminate the Filibuster, we will get EVERYTHING approved, like no Congress in History.”
In short, Trump is arguing, Republicans shouldn’t put themselves in the position of relying on the good graces of Democrats to show restraint the next time they’re in the majority.
As he and some other Republicans see it, there are two possible outcomes when it comes to the filibuster. Option one is for Republicans to abolish it now, pass Trump’s agenda (including robust election security legislation) and perhaps salvage a midterm victory. Option two is that Republicans don’t abolish the filibuster, and then Democrats likely win the midterms and abolish the filibuster anyway.
This would be a worst-case scenario for the GOP. Not only would none of their policies pass, but Democrats would have a clear runway to enact their most radical policies, from banning Voter ID to adding new Democrat states and packing the Supreme Court.
Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters he fully expects Democrats to eliminate the filibuster if they regain the majority, but warned that if Republicans “do their dirty work for them,” the GOP will “own all the crap” that follows. Furthermore, Thune believes that few in his caucus would actually vote to abolish the rule, saying that it has been an “important tool” to check the power of Democrat majorities in the past.
Recognizing the GOP’s impasse, Republican Senator Mike Lee has proposed a compromise that seeks to balance respect for longstanding Senate traditions with the urgency of advancing President Trump’s legislative agenda. Lee argues that Republicans should abandon the two-track system created by the 1975 reform, which allows the Senate to set aside a filibustered bill and move on to other business. Instead, he wants Democrats to be forced to publicly voice their opposition, effectively ending what is commonly called the “silent filibuster.”
The silent filibuster allows a minority of senators to block legislation by merely threatening extended debate without ever taking the floor. Lee calls this tactic a “chronic abuse of the Senate’s 60-vote cloture standard” because it functions as a procedural shortcut that lets a minority coalition of senators quietly kill bills without forcing them to publicly explain their opposition.
“The Senate GOP must immediately start fighting cloture abuse by, among other things, requiring senators to debate,” Lee posted on X. “When they stop speaking, we can call a vote on pending legislation and pass it with a simple majority—no supermajority cloture vote required. It’s time to end the zombie filibuster from hell!”
Trump appeared to endorse the idea when he reposted Lee’s argument on social media, emphasizing Lee’s statement that “this is the only way out of the Senate-imposed zombie apocalypse.”
There is no indication yet whether the GOP will take up Lee’s proposal. In the meantime, continued inaction appears to inch the chamber closer to Trump’s warning of a Democrat majority, and the all-but-certain vote by Democrats to finish what they started in 2022.
W.J. Lee has served in the White House, NASA, on multiple campaigns, and in nearly all levels of government.
Darn if you do, darn if you don’t. The “filibuster rule” has been both a help and hinderance for both parties. I believe that the rule has prevented the Democrats from doing more damage to the nation.
Think about the “electoral college”. Who wants to get rid of it? The Democrats because this would allow them to dominate this nation with their candidates as this would be a death sentence for the Republicans and conservatives. Look at the rules for those unions that support the Democrats — to make any worthwhile changes to their constitutions, there has to be a 60 – 75% majority of membership to approve such measures. The Democrats wish for those states that have a simple majority of passing laws to remain in place until they have a majority that they can’t lose, so changes can be made that will only help the Democrats.
It comes down to this — the Democrats only want those laws and situations that benefit them as they destroy the integrity of the nation. Once they are entrenched, there will be little chance to save the nation.
Make the democrats defend their positions by forcing them to filibuster. Let them stand and speak and play the fools for as long as they can, to disrupt, and delay, but then all will see their foolishness. And with God’s help we will prevail.
I would suggest the Republican party put their LEGAL team to work on this one. By ending the filibuster, they must have other options in place to protect American citizens from a total party take over and doom for this country if in fact it is again a Democratic majority. They are too left-leaning, and too rich from long office terms. Democrat politicians raping this country for years, up to and including the past presidents. Oh, yes, and all those Democrats playing the stock market with “leads” given only to them! All while they are being PAID to be working, but they are more interested in making themselves rich enough to fight to stay in office forever! TERM LIMITS are a must, especially for Democrats who needed to leave but stay until they die or their face needs repair!!! OMG What a travesty this entire political system reveals itself to be week after week since EXPOSE’ by the Republican party as to what really went on behind closed doors. This is exactly why the Democrats fight like crazy to keep the cover ups undiscovered.
It is NOT a 200-year tradition. The filibuster might be, but that was talking and keeping control of the floor as long as one could. Cloture is much newer and is what we are talking about. It is a FAKE filibuster, you know the “gentlemen’s” agreement those phoney clowns came up with to not have to do the hard work. GET RID OF IT, NOW! The dems surely will when they regain control. Why would the republicans worry about helping those slimey demons, when they will do it on day one when they are in control of the senate again.
You are never going to get the democrats to sit down and debate. They don’t want to support any republican or Trumps policies. They want to rule this country as a dictatorship. Everything they decide is going to be law. Criminals can roam the streets and kill and maim at will. Trump cleaned up DC and he will clean up Illinois and Minnesota and Oregon and Seattle and LA and any other democrat free for all the democrats allow. If the filibuster is dropped they will use the courts to obstruct any legislation. They weaponize everything. No matter what is passed under Trump the dems just ignore it. Look what happened today with Kiefer Sunderland. He insulted an uber driver and got arrested. Anti Ice demonstrators insult the ICE agents, attack with smoke bombs and fireworks, throwing rocks at their vehicles. Ramming their cars and nothing happens to these people. I guess when a democrat does these things it is legal when a republican does it, it is a crime. I say arrest all these demonstrators for attacking and insulting a federal police force by obstructing the performance of their duty.
That is a tough one! I have to fall back on my standard response. If the Democrats are for it it’s a really bad idea. They have never done anything that was good and everything they touch they destroy. Just sayin
The GOP majorities should exercise the nuclear option and end the filibuster immediately, pass all pending, stuck legislation and approve all pending, stuck nominees AND THEN pass legislation that reinstalls the filibuster in a more workable fashion — as law — that will require a 2/3rds majority to repeal it.
Harry Reid already broke the filibuster when the Dems wanted what they wanted. So why the hesitation to selectively “break” it again and pass election security rules and no boys in girls sports/spaces, et al? It has been done and will be done again regardless of Thune’s concerns. I say go for it at least on the big issues. As for this proposal, fine. It makes them explain. So what? They will still abolish the filibuster and cram a lot of their agenda into destroying conservatism.
I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that SO many Americans hate America so much and want to see her fail. It’s insanity.
The Democrats will always seek power. Power is more important than doing the right thing or doing the right thing for the benefit of the country. The Republicans always follow. Republicans lack the courage and the tenacity to truly be a leader. If the Democrats eliminate the Filibuster rule when they regain power, they will not be afraid to reintroduce it later claiming it was a big mistake. Democrats are the political party of psychopaths. Power is more important than anything.
Filibuster or no filibuster, Congress is a lame body
Sounds like common sense, but it doesn’t mean that the Socialists on the left won’t demolish the Filibuster anyway if they still see it as a means to solidify their Leftist power base and I believe this is a Serenity!
But will Dems Help or NO
Whole system is corrupt
There is no compromising with evil.
Filibusters should resemble the one shown in “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” where speaker has to stay on the floor and keep talking in order for the filibuster to last.
The essence of reason reveals a troubling truth: many individuals prioritize a divisive narrative over the well-being of the people. The game is ongoing, and we must reflect on what truly motivates our fight. Our actions today are crucial in shaping the principles we wish to uphold. In a world where control and wealth reign supreme, we find ourselves caught in the middle, yearning for genuine change.
Let us shift our focus from mere power struggles to the art of transformation. We must delve deep within ourselves, embrace our emotions, discern our true purpose, and recognize that we hold the power to lead with unwavering faith in a brighter tomorrow. Together, let’s unite and ignite a new beginning—a world that each of us can help sculpt with love and strength. When we ask, we open the door to a new reality, one founded on compassion and resilience.
The Democrats used the filibuster in the Fall of 2025 to stop the progress of approving appropriation bills that would have otherwise funded at least some of the Federal Government agencies for the full Fiscal Year 2026 time frame. Instead, the Democrats declared a filibuster to focus the lack of continuation of funding for the Affordable Care Act (alias Obama-care). However, the Senate Republicans never fully invoked the filibuster process where the Republicans would respond to points made by each Democrat Senator. Thus, the major issue about the ACA was never discussed by the Democrats and Republicans rarely brought the issue of ACA affordability and major issues with ineligibility of tens of thousands of recipients. The major point of the Democrats was that millions of Americans who have historically depended on the ACA would be forced out of medical insurance because, without the ACA their annual medical insurance would be greatly unaffordable. Yet, neither the Democrats, nor the Republicans in the Senate told the American public what the annual cost of the ACA was for the recently completed year, Fiscal Year 2025. When the Democrats did discuss the cost to the American public, their quippy solution was to make “wealthy” or “rich” Americans pay for it. The Republicans should have hammered the Democrat funding source–openly in the “debate” the Democrats began in late September. And the Republicans should have forced the Democrats to propose the new tax rates for “wealthy” Americans. The Senate Republicans should have immediately declared that they were going to invoke the “filibuster” rules and have point/counter-point debate between the two parties on a 24 hour basis, in the Senate chamber. The Democrat Senate leader from the first day of the start of the filibuster requested that he and his fellow Democrats wanted a negotiation on the issue of fully funding the ACA. In my opinion, the Senate leader (who is also the Republican Leader) of the Senate, should have immediately declared that the Senate would be in session 24 hours a day until the issue was resolved. In my view, any time that either party in the Senate wants to “debate or negotiate” an issue, the Senate leader should initiate the filibuster rule where the “negotiations” are completely shown to the American public, thereby keeping the Congress from the traditional smoke-filled back rooms away from public scrutiny.
The dims’ tricks have turned the “World’s Greatest Deliberative Body” into a complete ineffective joke! The system wasn’t designed for Senators without honesty and morals. Republicans should go ahead and do it. Pass Trump’s agenda and they’ll get credit for all the good things, and they’ll win the midterms, Thune! There will be no “crap” for them to be blamed for!
Sounds to me that the Republican leadership is thinking from a minority viewpoint when they are in the majority. The Democrats are strategically thinking from a majority viewpoint that they are convinced will happen. Which is better? Thinking how you can have a voice when you loose or planning how you can move your agenda when you win? People tend to be more supportive of a winning mindset.
Every one of them regardless of the party swore to perform the duties, to serve the constituents to obey the laws of the country, is that not a common ground enough? Removal of those who refuse to perform the duties should not be difficult. Term limits is a must, without it all the discussion is pointless. They are there to serve, not to rob.
Democrats is kind word, these Leftist Lunatics are Communists plain and simple. They represent a small percentage of Americans.
The Democratic Party are enemies to America and the American people, so what needs to be done is eliminate the Democratic Party! They are liars, thieves, Socialist, Marxist,Muslims/Hamas, etc the list goes on! George Washington would have them shot for what they have done to our country, he would also put China on notice!
There is no “middle ground” between godlessness and righteousness! The DIMMs will end the filibuster rule IF they regain control. At the very least, the members must actually SPEAK for the whole period of the filibuster rather than our side just conceding like wimps!
We need to eliminate filibuster and get the president’s /peoples agenda moving forward quickly.
The Senate rules appear to most voters as a set of tricks to frustrate the order of business. When voters choose a majority the intend is to move forward on majority popular legislation. These rules effectively permit the minority party to frustrate the voters desires.
Congress is expected to raise, debate, and vote on bills. The debate process has become a joke, likely fueled by the ever present cameras. Sessions in Congress are more theater than business like deliberation. House and Senate alike seem to rely more upon tricks than actual debate. Politicians seem more concerned with reelection campaign coffers than taking care of business. They gave themselves permission for insider trading and so the name of the game is to remain in DC to get rich. Great case for term limits.
Back to the trick rules like filibuster. Dump the rules and require debate as designed for bills raised. Each party should have a finite time for debate. Bills sent to committee should have a return date attached. The point is fact finder, not run out the clock. So, YES, kill filibuster! Get on with the people’s business. If debate fails to persuade then majority carries the bill. Period!
The problem with the Senate is not with the filibuster, if it is used as designed requiring an individual to stand and talk till he/she drops, or a cloture vote to end the filibuster succeeds. Democrat Harry Reid nuked the filibuster shortly before he retired for major appointments. Later, after retiring, he spoke eloquently about preserving the filibuster while Republicans were using his nuked version to fill positions during Trump’s first term. Problem with Reid’s comments was they were an almost exact quote from Barry Goldwater’s book “With No Apologies.” Republicans have always taken the high road on the filibuster.
The problem with the Senate is a total lack of accountability to anyone. The Senate/Senators have no accountability measures to anyone except each other. The process for voters to recall a Senator is almost impossible. The 17th amendment created this “Good ole boy’s club” by changing the way Senators are elected. Originally, Senators were elected by state legislatures because they were the representatives of “The Many States” in the Federal government. The Constitution recognizes the states as individuals. The 17th amendment removed these state’s representatives in congress and made this elite club.
Until we repeal the 17th and put Senators back where they belong, accountable to their state legislatures, we’ll have nothing but arrogant, power hungry, people in the Senate.
What good is it to have an involved President when few of his EOs are being made into law? Congress has to get busy and do their jobs, as well.
It doesn’t make any difference what the Republicans want,good or not so good the democ rats will do the opposite even if it hurts AMERICA.
The Democrat Party has become the enemy within. The party has adopted the Communist Manifesto as its Bible and is becoming more autocratic and less democratic by the day! While Latin America is shedding the blight of Communism and Trump stamps out Narco-Thug regimes like Venezuela and puts the fear of God into other dens of terrorist regimes, the United States is being mauled by these far-left ideologues who will put an end to our freedom and prosperity. We are being pushed and shoved into an age of darkness should this demented Democrat Party ever seize power again!
The current version of the filibuster is Gridlock 101. Why would the Republicans win the Mid-Terms this time with a record low numbers of bills passed and appointments for our President confirmed? Listen to Trump, take the filibuster to the dump! Let’s Nuke the Democratic Jackasses and see our mandate passes and the Mid-Terms will take care of itself!
There is a difference between protecting the voice of the minority and tyranny of the minority. Why aren’t these “minorities” forced to conduct the filibuster the way it was originally conceived, i.e., get up there and talk in front of the whole Senate which would be sequestered in the Senate chamber? Once they miss a few meals, bathroom breaks, and appearances on MSDNC and the Clinton News Network, they would be a lot more willing to come to an agreement. TERM LIMITS NOW!!!!
Since everyone believes that the Democrat will abolish it if they come back into power, what are Republicans waiting for? Knowing this and doing nothing is stupid. Take the fallout (if there is any), pass your agenda and move on. This country is at a very serious turning point. If the Democrats come in and do away with it, the country is done. The Republicans need to remove their tails from between their legs and fight. If not, they are useless and complacent.
Democratic control is unacceptable, and it is very frustrating that Republicans seem impotent. If someone threw excrement out on the floor of the legislative bodies and said let’s vote on it. All the Dumbocrats would vote as a block in favor of the excrement. I pray that Republicans grow a pair before we lose our country to IGNORANCE!
And these guys still get paid during all of the shenanigans! That blows my mind.
Abolish the filibuster, and “Katie, bar the door!” Neither party is to be trusted….but ‘specially the Dumba$$ocrat$.
This is a good idea. The “greatest deliberative body” should deliberate. They would have to put their mouths where their money is.
there is little to no concern for the state of conditions for the people of this country. Nero fiddled while Rome burned seems an appropriate statement.
In practice that would be no different from nuking the filibuster, it’s not a compromise. And it’s not a new idea. Various far-left Democrats and operatives proposed the same thing during the early Biden years, but Manchin and Sinema said no. And the far left wants Republicans to do it for them, that’s the real reason why they shut down the government in the first place. If Republicans nuke the filibuster, they pass a couple pieces of legislation (doubtful they get through anything substantial, as the House is almost evenly split) then the Democrats repeal it when they inevitably take over after the massive backlash and fearmongering about Project 2025 and the Handmaid’s Tale and Nazi Germany all rolled into one. If Democrats nuke the filibuster and pass their far-left agenda (men in women’s sports, rapists in women’s prisons, abortion on demand up to birth in all 50 states without even mild limits like parental notification, packing the Supreme Court, open borders, racial discrimination and DEI, bailing out all student loans), they own that backlash and Republicans can repeal it when they get back in.
Reposting …TS Automatic post…this is a great idea.
The GOP majorities should exercise the nuclear option and end the filibuster immediately, pass all pending, stuck legislation and approve all pending, stuck nominees AND THEN pass legislation that reinstates the filibuster in a more workable fashion — a
Great article
There is no middle ground with evil, hatred of country and Adamic peoples.
The Dems surely will when { IF }they regain control again, so why not do it now when it can help the GOP get the things done thats NEEDED NOW…. otherwise the GOP is done anyhow..