As the 119th Congress opens, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) is taking a firm stand to preserve the legislative filibuster, a Senate rule once targeted by former Democratic leader Harry Reid (D-NV).
Reid’s controversial 2013 decision to eliminate the filibuster for executive branch appointments and judicial nominations, with the exception of the Supreme Court set a precedent that conservatives argue destabilized Senate traditions and backfired spectacularly
Despite warnings from the minority that it was a decision they would live to regret, Reid and the Democrats deployed the so-called nuclear option anyway. Reid’s gamble ultimately enabled Republicans to confirm three Trump-appointed Supreme Court justices.
Thune’s remarks on Friday highlighted the importance of preventing the Senate from becoming a rubber stamp for fleeting partisan majorities.
Standing Firm on the Filibuster
Thune said in prepared remarks obtained by The Hill:
“One of my priorities as leader will be to ensure that the Senate stays the Senate. That means preserving the legislative filibuster — the Senate rule that today has perhaps the greatest impact in preserving the Founders’ vision of the Senate,”
Thune’s defense of the filibuster comes amid growing calls from progressives to scrap it entirely. The rule requires 60 votes to advance most legislation, encouraging bipartisan cooperation. While Democrats often frame it as an obstacle to progress, conservatives view it as a crucial safeguard against rash policymaking.
Lessons from Reid’s Recklessness
Reid’s decision to end the filibuster for lower court nominees may have seemed like a short-term win for Democrats, but it quickly became a cautionary tale. When Republicans gained control of the Senate, Mitch McConnell extended Reid’s rule change to Supreme Court nominees.
This paved the way for the confirmations of Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett, reshaping the Supreme Court for a generation.
For conservatives, Reid’s actions epitomize the dangers of undermining Senate traditions.
A Conservative Vision
Beyond defending the filibuster, Thune laid out a Republican agenda focused on core conservative priorities. These include securing the southern border, extending the Trump-era Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, reducing burdensome regulations, and increasing defense spending.
Thune also emphasized the need to reform the dysfunctional appropriations process, which has been plagued by temporary funding measures like the current stopgap set to expire on March 14.
The Filibuster Debate
While Republicans see the filibuster as a bulwark against government overreach, progressives view it as a relic of obstructionism.
President Trump himself once criticized the rule, frustrated by its impact on his legislative agenda.
In 2017, Trump tweeted:
“Republicans in the Senate will NEVER win if they don’t go to a 51-vote majority NOW. They look like fools and are just wasting time.”
Despite Trump’s frustrations, Thune and his allies argue that the filibuster plays an essential role in fostering debate and requiring consensus.
Why It Matters to Nevadans
For Nevadans, Harry Reid’s legacy serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of dismantling Senate traditions. While Reid’s rule change initially empowered Democrats, it ultimately backfired, enabling Republicans to reshape the judiciary.
Thune’s commitment to preserving the filibuster reflects a belief in long-term stability over short-term political wins — a principle many conservatives in Nevada and across the nation hold dear.
Looking Ahead
As the Senate begins its work, Thune faces the challenge of uniting Republicans while navigating a divided government. The filibuster will remain a flashpoint, with progressives pushing for its removal and conservatives rallying to defend it.
Thune’s leadership and steadfast commitment to the filibuster set the stage for a pivotal session. Whether he can uphold the Senate’s role as a deliberative body remains to be seen, but his opposition to Reid’s approach is clear and resolute.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
