Vice President Kamala Harris pivots on Senate filibuster, now supporting its elimination to codify Roe v. Wade into law.
At a Glance
- Harris supports ending the filibuster to pass abortion rights legislation with 51 votes
- This marks a shift from her 2017 position defending the filibuster
- The move aims to distinguish Democrats from Republicans on abortion rights
- Some Democrats, including Senators Manchin and Sinema, oppose changing filibuster rules
- Harris’s stance aligns with President Biden’s support for a filibuster exception on abortion rights
Harris Calls for Filibuster Elimination on Abortion Rights
Vice President Kamala Harris has publicly endorsed eliminating the Senate filibuster to codify abortion rights into federal law, marking a significant shift in her stance on the longstanding Senate rule. In a recent interview with Wisconsin Public Radio, Harris stated her support for removing the filibuster specifically to reinstate protections for reproductive freedom.
This position represents a departure from Harris’s previous support for the filibuster, as evidenced by her co-signing a 2017 letter emphasizing the importance of preserving extended debate in the Senate. The Vice President’s evolving stance aligns with the Biden administration’s push to protect abortion rights following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in June 2022.
Political Implications and Democratic Division
Harris’s call to end the filibuster for abortion legislation aims to differentiate the Democratic platform from that of former President Trump and the Republican Party on this contentious issue. However, the move has sparked division within the Democratic ranks. Senators Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema, both known for their defense of the filibuster, have reaffirmed their positions against changing the rule.
“Shame on her,” Manchin told CNN Tuesday in response to Harris’ comments. “She knows the filibuster is the Holy Grail of democracy. It’s the only thing that keeps us talking and working together. If she gets rid of that, then this would be the House on steroids … I think that basically can destroy our country and my country is more important to me than any one person or any one person’s ideology.”
Senator Sinema warned of potential long-term consequences, stating on social media platform X, “To state the supremely obvious, eliminating the filibuster to codify Roe v Wade also enables a future Congress to ban all abortion nationwide. What an absolutely terrible, shortsighted idea.”
The Filibuster’s Role in Senate Proceedings
The filibuster, a longstanding Senate tradition, requires 60 votes to end debate on most legislation. This rule has been a cornerstone of Senate procedure since 1789, with several modifications over the years. Supporters argue it promotes bipartisanship and prevents narrow majorities from enacting sweeping changes, while critics contend it obstructs the legislative process.
Former President Barack Obama has described the filibuster as a “Jim Crow relic,” advocating for its elimination to advance voting rights reform. The longest filibuster in Senate history occurred in 1957 when Senator Strom Thurmond spoke for over 24 hours in an attempt to block civil rights legislation.
Looking Ahead: Electoral Challenges and Potential Changes
As the 2024 election approaches, Democrats face a challenging electoral map in the Senate, defending seats in several key states. Harris emphasized the importance of re-electing Democratic senators and maintaining a majority in both chambers of Congress to advance their legislative agenda, including abortion rights.
With Senators Manchin and Sinema set to retire in January, the Democratic Party may have an opportunity to revisit the filibuster rule next year if they maintain or expand their Senate majority. However, the potential elimination of the filibuster remains a divisive issue, with implications that extend beyond abortion rights to the broader functioning of the legislative branch.
