Trump Calls on Republicans to End Filibuster in Shutdown Fight

The president said it was time for G.O.P. leaders to get rid of the longstanding rule that means most Senate legislation needs 60 votes to pass.

President Trump called on Senate Republicans late Thursday to eliminate the filibuster to force an end to the government shutdown, a move that would strip away a deeply rooted Senate rule.

The president said in a late-night Truth Social post that it was time for G.O.P. leaders “to play their ‘TRUMP CARD,’” and get rid of the longstanding rule that means most Senate legislation needs 60 votes to pass rather than a simple majority.

Republicans hold 53 of the 100 seats in the Senate. Democrats have repeatedly blocked a measure allowing funding for the government this month, as they argue that expiring subsidies tied to the Affordable Care Act must also be reinstated.

Senate G.O.P. leaders have shown reluctance to make further changes to the filibuster. Both parties have sought to erode the filibuster in recent years, but have stopped far short of eliminating it. Many Republicans fear that invoking the “nuclear option” with changes to the filibuster could come back to haunt them if Democrats regain control of Congress.

Earlier this month, Senator John Thune, Republican of South Dakota and the majority leader, dismissed the idea of changing the filibuster in order to end the shutdown, saying the White House hadn’t put pressure on him to do so.

The president made his demand as a lapse in funding for antipoverty programs loomed and Americans shopping for plans on the federal health insurance marketplace were set to see price increases.

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