Congressman Jeff Van Drew has reiterated his call for the Senate to end the filibuster, citing its role in prolonging the ongoing government shutdown. In a statement released from Washington, D.C., Van Drew said he spoke with President Trump earlier in the day and that both agree on the need to eliminate the filibuster.
“The filibuster is stopping us from helping the American people,” said Congressman Van Drew. “I spoke with President Trump this morning, and he agrees that the filibuster needs to go. The House has already passed the bill to reopen the government, but the Senate cannot move because of this one rule. The filibuster was supposed to encourage debate, but now it just blocks progress.
“There are only two ways forward. Either five reasonable Democrats vote to reopen the government, or the filibuster has to end. We cannot keep everything closed while trying to solve big issues like healthcare that take time and serious discussion. Every day this drags on, it is hardworking Americans who pay the price. We have given the left every opportunity to do the right thing, but they have refused to act. Instead, they are holding out for policies that benefit illegal immigrants while our own citizens are struggling. When one rule stops us from helping Americans, that rule needs to change. It is time to end this shutdown and get back to work for the American people.”
The House has already approved legislation aimed at reopening federal operations, but according to Van Drew, progress in the Senate remains stalled due to procedural rules.
