Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has reportedly backed off from his demand that Democrats keep the Senate filibuster.
The move marks the end of a stalemate that was holding up negotiations between Senate leaders to establish a power-sharing agreement.
According to NPR, McConnell dropped the issue on Monday evening (January 25). In a press release, McConnell stated he “look[s] forward to moving ahead with a power-sharing agreement,” after two Democrats in the Senate, Sens. Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema came out publicly to say they wouldn’t vote to end the filibuster. Both sides have touted the development as a win.
“Today two Democratic Senators publicly confirmed they will not vote to end the legislative filibuster. They agree with President Biden’s and my view that no Senate majority should destroy the right of the future minorities of both parties to help shape legislation.”
Spokesperson Justin Goodman from Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s office said, “We’re glad Sen. McConnell threw in the towel and gave up on his ridiculous demand. We look forward to organizing the Senate under Democratic control and start getting big, bold things done for the American people.”
The filibuster was among McConnell’s demands to Majority Leader Schumer in order to get his cooperation with power sharing in the chamber.
The Senate is currently evenly split for the first time in 20 years. Democrats have control, however since Vice President Kamala Harris would be the ultimate tie breaker. With that control, they can steer the agenda the Senate takes on.
In 2001, when the chamber was split 50-50 between Republicans and Democrats, leaders drafted an agreement to share power, which will be used as precedent moving forward.
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