Harris-backed filibuster change would ‘break’ the Senate, McConnell says
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell lambasted a proposal from Vice President Kamala Harris that would eliminate the filibuster to pass abortion rights legislation — warning Democrats that they will rue the move when Republicans next control Washington.
“What they want to do is break the institution in order to achieve what they want to achieve,” he said in an interview Thursday.
McConnell spoke two days after Harris told Wisconsin Public Radio that “we should eliminate the filibuster for Roe” — in other words, changing the Senate’s rules to exempt a vote to restore the abortion rights guarantee under Roe v. Wade from the chamber’s usual 60-vote threshold for legislation.
Such a scenario would be likely only if Harris wins the presidency and Democrats keep the Senate and retake the House majority — currently a tall order for a party facing a tough Senate map. Notably, two former Democrats who blocked prior attempts to undermine the 60-vote rule — Sens. Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) and Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) — are retiring.
But McConnell, delivering some of his most pointed and substantial criticism of a Harris proposal since she became a presidential candidate, said that the proposal would spell the end of the filibuster altogether, explaining that her suggested exemption for Roe would put the chamber down a steep and slippery slope.
“There's no way you can have a minor carve-out” for one issue, he said. “Because then you’ll come up with the next idea that’s more important than the rule — then, practically, it’s over.”
Democrats last tried to break the filibuster to pass voting rights legislation in the early years of President Joe Biden’s administration, when they had control of both the House and Senate. Manchin and Sinema’s opposition tanked that effort, but the 2022 Supreme Court ruling overturning Dobbs focused new attention on the rule — with Harris, a former senator, joining many other Democrats in backing filibuster changes in the immediate aftermath of the decision.
Such a move, Harris said Tuesday, would “get us to the point where 51 votes would be what we need to actually put back in law the protections for reproductive freedom and for the ability of every person and every woman to make decisions about their own body and not have their government tell them what to do.”
McConnell said that would permanently change the nature of the Senate, for the worse.
While at least some presidential nominations have been exempt from the filibuster for more than a decade, doing the same for legislation is a "totally different matter, he said: “The Senate was designed to do one of two things: Kill bad stuff or force a reasonable compromise — and that's what it's done all along.”
The Harris campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
McConnell warned that if they adjusted the filibuster rules Democrats would then use simple-majority votes to entrench their power by admitting D.C. and Puerto Rico as states, likely adding four additional Democratic senators. “Then,” he said, they’ll “go after the Supreme Court.”
“So it would fundamentally, in my view, turn America to California,” he continued. “And I think that is a major structural change to the country.”
McConnell has long been a fierce defender of the Senate’s legislative filibuster, withstanding public pressure to change the rules during Donald Trump’s presidency and then openly encouraging Manchin and Sinema as they stood athwart their fellow Democrats’ recent push.
If Democrats do go nuclear, McConnell said Thursday, Republicans will also take advantage of the new system: “They never think about what might happen when the shoe is on the other foot.”
Asked what bills Republicans would pass without the filibuster, McConnell said, “I don't know, but I'm sure they wouldn't like it.”
Over the past decade, a similar dynamic played out over the use of the filibuster for Senate confirmations. In 2013, McConnell cautioned then-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) not to break the filibuster for lower-level court nominations, which Republicans had been blocking.
“You’ll regret this, and you may regret this a lot sooner than you think,” McConnell said at the time.
When Republicans took the chamber a few years later, McConnell cited Reid’s rule change to justify going nuclear for Supreme Court nominations — helping Trump confirm three conservative justices in what’s become the most sweeping overhaul to the court in a generation.
Asked if he has any regrets about that move, McConnell said he did not.
“I said to my members, if a candidate like [Neil] Gorsuch — who is so obviously totally qualified — can't get 60 votes, there's nobody we can pick that we're comfortable with that can get confirmed,” he said. “And so we lowered the threshold for the Supreme Court.”
Like this content? Sign up for POLITICO's Playbook newsletter.
Date: |
-
World - Yahoo News
Kenyan senators to vote on deputy president's impeachment
1 hour ago -
Top stories - NBC News
Harris spars with Fox News host and says she wouldn't be a 'continuation' of Biden
In a combative interview with Fox News, Harris said in the most emphatic terms to date that if elected she would not be a repeat of President Joe Biden’s nearly four years in office.6 hours ago - Joe Biden -
Top stories - CBS News
Gallego and Lake trade barbs in Arizona Senate race
Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego of Arizona and Republican Kari Lake are battling for a significant Senate seat in the Grand Canyon State with early voting underway. CBS News' Elizabeth Campbell and ...8 hours ago -
Top stories - CBS News
Breaking down the Georgia ballot hand counting ruling
With early in-person voting underway in Georgia, a judge there Tuesday night blocked a new rule requiring the hand counting of election ballots. The judge called the rule "too much, too late" and ...8 hours ago -
Top stories - NBC News
Vance says Trump didn't lose the 2020 election: 'Not by the words I would use'
WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — In his most direct answer yet about the 2020 election results since he joined the Republican presidential ticket, Sen.9 hours ago - Donald Trump -
Politics - The Hill
Vance says Trump did not lose in 2020 'by the words that I would use'
Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) said Wednesday that former President Trump did not lose in 2020 “by the words that I would use” — some of his most extensive comments yet on the subject of the last ...9 hours ago - Donald Trump -
World - Yahoo News
Climate change worsened deadly Nepal floods, scientists say
10 hours ago - Climate -
Business - CNBC
Key change coming for 401(k) ‘max savers’ in 2025, expert says — here's what you need to know
There's a key change coming to 401(k) catch-up contributions in 2025. Here's who could be affected by the update, according to experts.11 hours ago -
Business - MarketWatch
LVMH executive says it would be a mistake to offer more affordable products. Here’s why he’s right.
The comments come as the French luxury brand saw a 3% sales decline this quarter.13 hours ago -
Politics - The Hill
GOP senators push for more FEMA funding
A group of GOP senators announced legislation Wednesday to replenish a critical disaster relief fund as members on both sides have sounded alarm over its finances amid back-to-back hurricanes. The ...13 hours ago -
Politics - NBC News
Watch highlights from the Texas Senate debate
Watch highlights from the Texas Senate debate between Democrat Rep. Colin Allred and Republican Sen. Ted Cruz. The two discussed their stances on abortion laws, the border and response to the Jan. ...18 hours ago -
Politics - The Hill
Senate Republicans pump brakes on year-end omnibus
Senate Republicans are pumping the brakes on a year-end omnibus spending package as Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) are locked in a battle to become the ...22 hours ago - Republican Party -
Politics - The Hill
5 takeaways from the Texas Senate debate
Sen. Ted Cruz (R) and former Rep. Collin Allred (D) squared off on Tuesday in their only debate before Election Day, sparring over the border and abortion amid signs of a surprisingly competitive ...Yesterday -
World - The Guardian
US election live: Trump holds rally in Atlanta after Georgia sees record first day of early voting
More than 250,000 voters cast ballots on day one of in-person early voting. Don’t miss important election coverage. Get our free app and sign up for election alerts Joe Biden is in his home ...Yesterday - Donald Trump -
Top stories - BBC News
Shirley Bassey breaks record for jewellery auction
Shirley Bassey's jewellery collection sells for 2.2 million euros at an auction in Paris.Yesterday -
Top stories - BBC News
McDonald defends handling of ex-senator inappropriate texts
Niall Ó Donnghaile says police were notified of inappropriate texts but no formal complaint was received.Yesterday -
Politics - The Hill
What to watch for in the only Texas Senate debate
Welcome to The Hill's Campaign newsletter {beacon} Campaign Report Campaign Report The Big Story What to watch for in the only Texas Senate debate U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R) will face challenger ...Yesterday -
Top stories - The New York Times
Trump Says It Would Be a ‘Smart Thing’ if He Had Talked to Putin
Donald J. Trump declined to comment on whether he’d talked with the Russian president since leaving office. But he added, “If I have a relationship with people, that’s a good thing.”Yesterday - Donald Trump -
Business - Inc.
Here’s Why Economists Say Trump’s Economic Plans Would Worsen Inflation
Tariffs, the GOP hopeful’s go-to economic policy plank, would raise average household costs by $2,600 a year, and experts say Trump’s other plans would do more harm than good.Yesterday -
Politics - The Hill
Tillis warns conservatives’ 'unwise' reforms would 'weaken' Senate GOP
North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis (R) circulated a “Dear Colleague” letter Tuesday warning that some of the reforms being pushed by Senate conservatives would only weaken the next Senate Republican ...Yesterday -
Business - The New York Times
Would a Strong Job Market Stop Fed Rate Cuts? This Official Says No.
Mary C. Daly, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, said that the central bank shouldn’t act “out of fear.”Yesterday - Federal Reserve -
World - The Guardian
No 10 rejects claims PM received Taylor Swift tickets as ‘thank you’ for security measures – as it happened
Downing St says decisions over protection for the singer were up to Scotland Yard and not the government. Keir Starmer has has welcomed private investment of £550m to make it easier for people to ...Yesterday -
Top stories - BBC News
Would raising employer National Insurance break Labour's pledge?
If the chancellor decides to increase NI for employers in the Budget would that be going back on previous promises?Yesterday -
Politics - The Hill
Senate majority at risk of falling out of reach for Democrats
Former President Trump's strength in the upper Midwest is putting Senate Democrats on defense, giving the GOP hopes it can not only win the Senate majority but grow it beyond a seat or two. ...Yesterday -
Politics - The Hill
Morning Report — Break a political deadlock? Take risks.
In today’s issue: Vice President Harris insists she’s the underdog in the presidential race. This week, she’s campaigning that way. Underdogs, when hemmed in, take risks. And sitting for a Fox News ...Yesterday -
Sports - CBS Sports
West Virginia's Neal Brown offers plea for fan support: 'What I would say is -- did they have a good time?'
West Virginia is off to a 3-3 start to the 2024 season with two losses coming to chief rivals2 days ago -
Politics - NBC News
Michigan Senate candidates vie for split-ticket voters
NBC News Congressional Correspondent Julie Tsirkin talks to Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin and former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers ahead of their second debate in the closely contested Michigan ...2 days ago -
Politics - The Hill
Cruz calls out McConnell-aligned group for not spending 'a penny' in Texas
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz (R) vented his frustration with the Senate Leadership Fund, a super PAC aligned with Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.), for not spending any money in his ...2 days ago -
Business - CNBC
Here's who would benefit from Trump's proposed tax break on car loan interest
A tax deduction on car-loan interest proposed by former president Donald Trump would likely benefit wealthier taxpayers who buy expensive cars, experts said.2 days ago - Donald Trump -
Sports - ABC News
'Shocker' has Cowboys at crossroads as Jerry Jones says he isn't considering a coaching change
Jerry Jones says he isn’t considering a coaching change2 days ago - NFL -
Sports - ESPN
Cowboys' Jones: Not considering coach change
Jerry Jones said he is standing by coach Mike McCarthy, even after experiencing the largest home loss of his time as Cowboys owner and general manager on Sunday.2 days ago - NFL -
Politics - The Hill
Chris Matthews: 'Big mistake' for Harris to say policies would be the same as Biden's
Political commentator Chris Matthews said early Monday it is a “big mistake” for Vice President Harris to align her policies with President Biden’s. “I think when she says her policies are going ...2 days ago - Joe Biden -
World - ABC News
Polish democracy leader Lech Walesa says a Trump victory would be a 'misfortune' for the world
Polish democracy champion and former President Lech Walesa says a victory by Republican Donald Trump in this year’s U.S. presidential election would be a “misfortune” for the world2 days ago - Donald Trump -
Politics - The Hill
Senate rankings: 5 seats most likely to flip
The battle for the Senate majority has hit its final month as Republicans race to end their four-year stint in the minority. The GOP needs to win only one of two competitive races in red states — ...2 days ago -
Business - Financial Times
Trump would not weaken the dollar, says adviser Scott Bessent
Potential Treasury secretary also insists former president’s threats of large tariffs are bargaining positions3 days ago - Donald Trump -
Sports - Yahoo Sports
Former Kings Goalie Breaks NHL Record
Cam Talbot joins Sean Burke as the only goalie to ever break the record.3 days ago - NHL -
Politics - Politico
Mike Lee lays out demands for McConnell successor
The Utah Republican wants to shape the race to elect the next Senate GOP leader.October 7
More from Politico
-
Politics - Politico
Disaster loan program fully ‘exhausted’ with Congress still out of town
Without congressional action, the Small Business Administration can’t make new loan offers to people trying to rebuild after disasters like Hurricanes Helene and Milton.Yesterday -
Politics - Politico
Maine’s Jared Golden is ready to make things awkward for his fellow Democrats
Rep. Jared Golden may be the heir apparent to West Virginia’s Joe Manchin in trying to claw Democrats away from the left on issues like energy and the environment.2 days ago -
Politics - Politico
Johnson: Congress coming back early for hurricane relief would be ‘premature’
Congress is not scheduled to be back in session until after the election.3 days ago -
Politics - Politico
Johnson doesn’t expect another Jan. 6. But he still has doubts about election integrity.
“I think there is going to be some cheating in this election. I think non-citizens are going to vote,” Johnson said.3 days ago -
Politics - Politico
The 5 factions Johnson has to appease to keep the speakership next year
His most outspoken and well-known critics are the nearly dozen GOP lawmakers who voted to advance an ouster effort against him earlier this year, but they’re not alone.4 days ago