Trump Pushes Republicans to ‘Terminate’ the Filibuster. But GOP Senate Leadership Has Opposed the Idea
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
Trump pushes Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster amid ongoing DHS shutdown and record TSA wait times exceeding four and a half hours.
How This Affects You
Travelers face TSA wait times exceeding 4.5 hours at some terminals, causing widespread flight delays and missed connections during the partial government shutdown.
AI Summary
President Donald Trump is pushing Republicans to eliminate the Senate filibuster via Truth Social posts Thursday, citing the partial government shutdown that began February 14 and airport delays caused by TSA staffing shortages, with wait times exceeding four and a half hours at some terminals. Acting TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill confirmed the country is experiencing "the highest wait times in TSA history." Senate Majority Leader John Thune and other top GOP leaders including John Barrasso and Tom Cotton have publicly opposed filibuster elimination, with Thune telling the Washington Examiner that the 60-vote threshold "has protected this country." The current partial shutdown, which affects only the Department of Homeland Security, is poised to break the record for longest shutdown on record this weekend unless Congress reaches a deal, while some Republicans like Sen. Ron Johnson have voiced support for Trump's position.
What's Being Done
Senate Majority Leader John Thune and top GOP leaders have publicly opposed filibuster elimination, with Thune defending the 60-vote threshold as protective of the country.
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