Feinstein, long regarded as suspicious of any changes in legislative obstruction, noted his attempts to find bipartisan agreements in areas such as background checks and the Violence Against Women Act. But, she warned, if Senate Republicans “abuse the obstruction”, she would be open to changing the rules.
“Ideally, the Senate can reach a bipartisan agreement on these issues, as well as on a voting rights bill. But if that proves impossible and Republicans continue to abuse the obstruction by demanding coagulation votes, I am open to change the way the Senate obstruction rules are used, “said Feinstein in a statement.
“I don’t want to stray from the Senate’s traditions, but I also don’t believe that a party should be able to prevent voting on major projects by abusing obstruction,” she said.
Senate Democrats, fearing to be ahead of Biden, noted earlier this week that he did not take a specific position on getting rid of the 60-vote limit, the ultimate goal of reform advocates. Some Senate Democrats have suggested that they could have a “talking obstruction” that would require opponents to speak in the Senate floor, but would also require a procedural limit of 60 votes for the legislation.
Feinstein’s statement came just days after she told reporters that she was concerned with destroying legislative obstruction because it could allow Republicans, when they return to the majority, to pass legislation that is strongly contested by Democrats.
“I would say that I am undecided,” said Feinstein, adding that the impact on a future majority of the Republican Party “is a factor, one of the reasons why I am hesitant.”
To make changes to the obstruction, all 50 members of the Senate Democratic bench would have to support the change.
Manchin initially expressed an openness to make the obstruction more “painful”, but later repeatedly reiterated that he believes the 60-vote limit needs to be maintained.
“You know where my position is … There is none of that and a little bit – there is nothing here. Either you protect the Senate, you protect the institution and you protect democracy or not,” Manchin told reporters this week.