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Swarajya Staff
Sep 09, 2017, 10:10 AM | Updated 10:10 AM IST
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United States President Donald Trump has once again called on Senate Republicans to get rid of the legislative filibuster of requiring 60 votes for a Bill and move towards passing legislation with a 51-vote majority. Trump has called the Senate filibuster rule a “death wish” for the Republicans.
“Republicans, sorry, but I've been hearing about Repeal & Replace for 7 years, didn't happen! Even worse, the Senate Filibuster Rule will.... ..never allow the Republicans to pass even great legislation. 8 Dems control - will rarely get 60 (vs. 51) votes. It is a Repub Death Wish!” Trump said in a series of tweets.
He also urged republicans to work for tax reform. “Republicans must start the Tax Reform/Tax Cut legislation ASAP. Don't wait until the end of September. Needed now more than ever. Hurry!” Trump said in a tweet.
The U.S. President has been pressing Republicans to nix the filibuster for months and even spoke to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnel (R-Ky.) to get rid of the option and secure Republicans' ability to pass their agenda. Last month, Trump specifically called out McConnell and pushed the GOP leader to end the filibuster and move toward passing legislation with a 51-vote majority.
Trump started criticising the filibuster rule after the healthcare debate. Republicans didn't need 60 votes on that bill because ObamaCare repeal was moving under special budgetary rules. But the GOP couldn't win 50 votes on its repeal effort. ANI