John — It’s time to abolish the filibuster.
Here’s why:
In 2020, we witnessed record-breaking voter turnout and an outpouring of support for Democratic reforms including voting rights, reproductive rights, climate action, criminal justice and immigration reform, and so much more.
However, as soon as the new Congress was sworn in this January, Mitch McConnell and the rest of the Republican Party did everything to stand in our way. They have been determined to thwart our attempts at passing legislation demanded by voters during the 2020 election.
From passing the American Rescue Plan Act to provide relief from the COVID-19 pandemic — without a single Republican vote in the House or Senate — to working this very moment to lift the debt ceiling and pass the Build Back Better Act, Mitch McConnell has kept his word: “One-hundred percent of our focus is on stopping this new administration.”
And McConnell has got the filibuster to help him do it.
The filibuster is not a vital check and balance of power. The GOP leverages it to block bills that would help the American people thrive and protect our sacred right to vote. Historically, Southern Senators have used the filibuster to block civil rights bills and even anti-lynching legislation. It must not be used again to disenfranchise people of color.
However, using the filibuster to block any bill that can’t get 60 votes is a new phenomenon. It’s all part of the GOP’s plan to block legislative reform while passing voter suppression laws and abortion bans at the state level, leaving Congress and Democrats powerless to respond.
Freezing our ability to pass reforms is not the intended purpose of the filibuster. Mitch McConnell and the GOP have turned the filibuster into their greatest weapon in thwarting the will of the American people and preventing progress — especially now that they’re in the minority.
I want to be direct: The filibuster must go. Right now. Before it’s too late.
If you’re with me, sign my petition demanding Senate Democrats abolish the filibuster. The future of our country depends on ending this archaic rule that serves no purpose in Washington, other than to prevent meaningful debate and votes on legislation demanded by voters.
Together, we can pave the way for popular bills to become law by abolishing the filibuster.
Thank you for making your voice heard on this important issue.
— Adam
