After a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, several Republican senators have called for an immediate end to the legislative filibuster to reopen the Department of Homeland Security.
The Department of Homeland Security has been shut down since February 14 as Democrats refuse to provide support to override the 60-vote threshold required to reopen the agency. Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, requiring seven Democrats to cross party lines.
Democrats have stated they will not fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection without changes.
In a television interview on Sunday, Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin (R-Wis.) argued that Democrats would end the filibuster when they gain a majority.
“At a moment of national danger, if Democrats refuse to fund DHS, I will say this would be the time to nuke the filibuster for good,” Johnson added. “We need to hold a vote right away. Let’s find areas of agreement and make this country safer.”
Johnson urged Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania (D-Pa.) and other moderate Democrats to support DHS funding.
“So many of the Senate Democrats ran as moderates. Now, are they really?” Johnson asked.
“Let’s have those seven Democrat moderates,” he said. “I know John Fetterman will step up to the plate. Where are the other six that will step up to the plate in this moment of national danger?”
Republicans can bypass the filibuster with a simple majority vote.
On social media, Senator Mike Lee of Utah (R-Utah) wrote: “No more delays. No more excuses.”
Lee also stated: “If Democrats still insist on filibustering DHS funding, it’s time to nuke the filibuster. No more playing around. Senate GOP colleagues, who else is on board?”
Senator Rick Scott of Florida (R-Fla.) echoed calls for ending the filibuster.
On social media, Scott wrote: “Congress should’ve FULLY FUNDED DHS a long time ago. It’s absurd that we let Democrats put us in this situation. No more GAMES.”
Scott added: “If 7 won’t join us and vote to fund DHS this week, it’s time to BLOW UP the filibuster to get this DONE and keep America SAFE.”
