November 3, 2025
Republican senators refuse Trump's demand to eliminate filibuster, saying it won't happen in their lifetime
Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters that 'the votes aren't there' to end the filibuster and said he had spoken with President Trump, but he did not state when that conversation occurred.
Senator 
John Kennedy told CNN he spoke with President Trump, said a senator's job is to 'kill bad ideas,' and that the president 'wasn't unhappy' with the exchange. Kennedy added he doubts Republicans will change the filibuster or blue-slip traditions 'during your or my natural lifetime.'.
The filibuster normally requires 60 votes to advance most legislation, which forces the majority to seek minority support to pass bills. Republican senators hold the chamber’s majority and must weigh short-term gains against preserving minority protections for when they are out of power.
President Trump publicly and privately urged Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster to pass funding bills without Democratic votes. Many Senate Republicans resisted that request, saying the votes to change Senate practice do not exist within the GOP conference.
Fill the blank: Ending the filibuster would let the majority pass laws with ____ majority.
Which trend best describes consequences of removing the filibuster?
A simple majority vote in the Senate always ends a filibuster.
Kennedy said the president 'wasn't unhappy' after Kennedy pushed back.
Who benefits materially if the filibuster is ended immediately?
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Start QuizSenate Majority Leader (R‑S.D.)
U.S. Senator (R‑La.)
President of the United States
GOP senators (majority caucus)
House Democratic Leader