Democratic senators are seriously considering eliminating the Senate filibuster as their party prepares to take control of the chamber, a move that would allow most legislation to pass with a simple majority vote.
Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts said the filibuster "has to be on the table" when discussing the party's plans. But the proposal has split the caucus. Sen. Andy Kim of New Jersey warned that altering the rules could prove a "double-edged sword," noting that such a move would grant Republicans the same advantage if they regain control.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, who announced a challenge to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for the top Democratic post, has publicly backed eliminating the filibuster. Van Hollen called the rule "anti-democratic" and noted it is not explicitly included in the Constitution.
Schumer has not said whether he would support scrapping the filibuster if Democrats also win the White House in 2028. The New York Democrat is facing pressure from progressives as the party debates its Senate leadership.
Markey indicated that discussions are underway among Democratic senators about advancing a progressive agenda and weighing the best strategy for the chamber.
President Donald Trump previously urged Senate Republicans to abolish the filibuster while pushing the SAVE America Act and warned that Democrats would eliminate it if they regained the majority.
