By Sandy Fitzgerald | Saturday, 01 November 2025 02:38 PM EDT
Republican lawmakers are opposing President Donald Trump’s latest attempt to dismantle the legislative filibuster, even as the government shutdown enters its second month. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., warned that abolishing the 60-vote threshold for legislation could harm Republicans if Democrats regain control of Congress, citing potential Democratic efforts to expand voting rights, restructure the Supreme Court, or impose gun bans.
Trump urged GOP senators to use the “nuclear option” to end the filibuster, arguing it would enable Republicans to pass a government funding bill unilaterally. However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., and other GOP figures rejected the proposal, emphasizing the importance of maintaining procedural safeguards. Senator John Curtis, R-Utah, called for preserving the rule, stating it compels bipartisan compromise.
The shutdown has disrupted services and caused airport delays, with Democrats refusing to support a GOP-funded resolution. Senate Republicans require Democratic backing to overcome the 60-vote threshold. While some Trump allies framed his criticism as frustration over the stalemate, party leaders are exploring bipartisan solutions, including negotiations on Democratic priorities like extending healthcare subsidies.
Trump dismissed calls for dialogue, blaming Democrats for the shutdown and vowing not to meet with them until the government reopens. “It’s their fault. Everything is their fault,” he said Friday.
Sandy Fitzgerald has more than three decades in journalism and serves as a general assignment writer for Newsmax covering news, media, and politics.
