Source: Popular Information
by Judd Legum, Rebecca Crosby, & Noel Sims
“The legislative filibuster, which creates a 60-vote threshold, only exists when it is convenient for Senate Republicans. Whenever the filibuster threatens to impede a Republican priority, it is ignored. This week, Senate Republicans are seeking to pass President Trump’s megabill under the budget reconciliation process, which allows for the expedited consideration of tax and spending measures. Crucially, a budget reconciliation bill is not subject to a filibuster. This allows Senate Republicans, who control 53 seats in the Senate, to pass the legislation with a simple majority. But the budget reconciliation process, which is used by both parties, is also limited. … Permanently extending Trump’s 2017 individual tax cuts should be subject to the filibuster. But Republicans want to permanently extend Trump’s 2017 individual tax cuts, and do not have the votes to overcome a filibuster. So, Republicans are ignoring the filibuster.” (07/01/25)