In recent months there has been much conversation about how Washington, D.C. operates. I’d like to add my voice to the conversation, especially about the Senate rules and procedures. Specifically, the Senate rule which requires 60 votes to pass any legislation. This is why that particular rule is so important: the Senate has 100 members. Right now, there are 46 Democrats and 52 Republicans leaving 2 independents that associate with the Democrats. To put it simply, 48 Democrats and 52 Republicans. This means that in order for Republicans to pass any conservative legislation they need 8 Democrats’ votes and that’s assuming all of the Republicans are on board.
The main argument of those in favor of keeping the 60 vote threshold is that the Senate is a deliberative body and this rule ensures that the minority voice is always heard. This belief is one of naiveté and innocence. It assumes that the minority party (currently Democrat) is fair-minded and willing to negotiate for the greater good of the country. Anyone who has kept an eye on Washington over the past few years understands that the Democrats are deeply out of touch with the American people. This is why in November of last year the American electorate gave Republicans control of the House, Senate, and White House. The Democratic Party has openly said their main goal under President Trump is to “resist.” That means opposing anything and everything that was a campaign promise by the President.
If our country was in good or even decent condition then keeping the arcane 60 vote rule in the Senate might be a noble cause. However, as we all know, our country is in horrible shape. This is why maintaining the status quo for the sake of the minority is bad. The status quo means that America continues killing millions of innocent humans in the womb. The status quo means our debt continues rising by the trillions. The status quo means gangs continue their killing of innocent lives in Chicago and other cities. The status quo means America’s border remains largely open while millions of illegal aliens pour in. The status quo means the government continues its overreach into America’s healthcare system. The list goes on.
A few months ago, there were zero senators in favor of ending the 60 vote threshold in order to pass President Trump’s agenda. As of today, Senators Ted Cruz of Texas, Steve Daines of Montana, and Luther Strange and Richard Shelby of Alabama have all come out in favor of bypassing the 60 vote threshold in order to pass President Trump’s legislative agenda. This is in large part because of the American Family Association which has been the lone voice in the conservative movement calling on the Senate to bypass these arcane rules. Our team here at the AFA know that no good legislation will make it to the President’s desk as long as this rule is kept. Priorities such as blocking federal funds to abortion providers, authorizing border wall construction, and fully repealing Obamacare will never see the light of day if it takes 60 votes to pass the Senate.
If the status quo is maintained, we might be looking at a Senate and congressional election in 2018 where Republicans have zero legislative achievements to tout. Americans are fed up with the inaction in Washington and we deserve a Congress that will stop twiddling its thumbs and do something. I’ve continually argued that Republican leadership wants to maintain the 60 vote rule to protect itself from actually having to take hard votes and get things done. This is a way to maintain the status quo and protect the swamp. Americans must continue to urge their senators to end the 60 vote rule and start getting things done.
