Durbin: Dems Should Consider Changes To the Filibuster if GOP Senators Block Biden’s Agenda

Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) says Democrats should consider making changes to the legislative filibuster if Republicans use it to block President Joe Biden‘s agenda.

While Congressional Republicans are signaling their disapproval with Biden’s executive actions since taking office, some Democrats are worried that Republicans will use procedural hurdles to block the new president’s legislative agenda.

Durbin was asked if he would consider scrapping the filibuster during an appearance on NBC’s “Meet The Press.”

“Well, I think it gets down to the bottom line here,” Durbin said. “The American people want us to take action. Action on this pandemic. Action on this economy… on a host of other issues.”

He continued, “If this filibuster has now become so common in the Senate that we can’t act — that we just sit their helpless — shame on us. Of course, we should consider a change in the rule under those circumstances.”

Watch the video below:

The filibuster is a rule that requires 60 votes to end debate and move to a final vote on legislation. It is commonly used to delay or block legislation.

Additionally, most legislation requires 60-votes