Feinstein, long considered suspicious of any change to the legislative filibuster, noted her attempts to find bipartisan agreements in areas such as background checks and the Violence Against Women Act. But, he warned, if Senate Republicans “abuse the filibuster,” she would be open to changing the rules.
“Ideally, the Senate could reach a bipartisan agreement on these issues, as well as on a voting rights bill. But if that proves impossible and Republicans continue to abuse the filibuster by demanding closing votes, I’m open to change the way the Senate governs are used, “Feinstein said in a statement.
“I don’t want to stray from the traditions of the Senate, but I also don’t think a party should be able to avoid votes on important bills by abusing the filibuster,” he said.
Senate Democrats, wary of moving forward with Biden, noted earlier this week that it did not take a specific stance to get rid of the 60-vote threshold, the ultimate goal of reform advocates. Some Senate Democrats have claimed they could have a “talking filibuster” that would require opponents to speak in the Senate chamber, but would also require a procedural threshold of 60 votes for legislation.
Feinstein’s statement comes just days after she told reporters she was concerned about removing the legislative filibuster because it could allow Republicans, when they return to the majority, to pass legislation strongly opposed by Democrats.
“I would say I’m undecided,” Feinstein said, adding that the impact on a future GOP majority “is a factor, one of the reasons I doubt it.”
To make changes to the filibuster, the 50 members of the Democratic Senate group would have to support the change.
Manchin initially expressed his openness to making the filibuster more “painful,” but has since reiterated several times that he believes the 60-vote threshold should be kept in place.
“You know where my position is … There is nothing like this or anything: there is nothing here. Either protect the Senate, protect the institution and protect democracy or not,” Manchin told journalists this week.