The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Nov. 6, 2025
The U.S. Senate’s filibuster rule requires 60 votes to end debate, and just the threat of a filibuster can block popular legislation. What are the consequences of removing the filibuster rule, the so-called “nuclear option”?
The Brennan Center for Justice reports there have been more than 2,500 “cloture” votes to end a filibuster, since 1917. More than half of those votes occurred in just the last 12 years, and “silent” filibusters dramatically reduced bills reaching the floor.
Recently, President Donald Trump called for the filibuster rule to be eliminated in order to reopen the U.S. government. Ending debate with a simple majority would allow the GOP to quickly move forward with their agenda without having to negotiate with Democrats to reach 60 votes.
That simple majority freedom comes with consequences, though. If Democrats return to the majority in 2026, having no filibuster would make reversing Project 2025’s draconian changes faster and easier, as tariffs are reversed, scientists rehired, and funding climate change action and human services once again become priorities. It would also likely include passage of the Freedom to Vote Act and John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, protecting all Americans’ right to vote, and outlawing gerrymandered districts for federal elections.
Despite Trump’s demands, Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters Nov. 4th., “The votes aren’t there” to eliminate the filibuster.
We have more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
Brennan Center for Justice – The Filibuster Explained
Brennan Center for Justice – The Case Against the Filibuster
Pew Research – (2022) Finding 60 votes in an evenly divided Senate? A high bar, but not an impossible one
Pew Trust – Americans’ Deepening Mistrust of Institutions
U.S. Senate – Cloture Motions
The Hill – Thune: Votes ‘aren’t there’ to eliminate filibuster, despite Trump push
American Democracy Minute – (2023) U.S. House & Senate Democrats Reintroduce the Freedom to Vote Act, But It Faces More Hurdles This Session
The Guardian – (2021) Senate Republicans again block sweeping voting rights bill
Groups Taking Action:
Declaration for American Democracy (DFAD), Common Cause US, League of Women Voters US
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
Please follow us on Facebook and Bluesky Social, and SHARE!
Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org
Want ADM sent to your email? Sign up here!
Are you a radio station? Find our broadcast files at Pacifica Radio Network’s Audioport and PRX
#News #Democracy #DemocracyNews #Filibuster #GovernmentShutdown #SimpleMajority #USSenate #DonaldTrump