Former Senator Joe Manchin has publicly criticized Senator John Cornyn of Texas for reversing his long-held support of the Senate filibuster, accusing him of abandoning the 60-vote rule for political convenience amid a contentious primary runoff.
Cornyn Advocates Ending Filibuster to Pass SAVE Act
In an op-ed published Wednesday, Cornyn urged Senate Republicans to consider eliminating the filibuster to pass the Trump-backed Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. The legislation faces opposition from Democrats who are expected to block it under current Senate rules that require 60 votes to end debate on most bills.
This marked a significant shift for Cornyn, who previously defended the filibuster’s importance. He acknowledged in the op-ed that changing political dynamics require leaders to adapt their positions. Cornyn is currently engaged in a runoff against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who supports abolishing the filibuster.
Manchin Condemns Cornyn’s Shift as ‘Deeply Disappointing’
Manchin, who was crucial in preserving the filibuster during a 2022 effort by Democrats to eliminate it, expressed strong disappointment over Cornyn’s reversal. Manchin highlighted that Cornyn had personally thanked him for defending the filibuster when the Senate battle was ongoing.
“When I was a U.S. Senator, there was not another person more committed to keeping the filibuster than Senator John Cornyn,” Manchin stated on social media. He added that election-year politics are driving actions that undermine bipartisan governance.
Cornyn Responds and GOP Divisions Persist
Cornyn denied Manchin’s portrayal of past conversations and said his current position is a response to Democrats’ unwillingness to negotiate. He rejected the assertion that his reversal is tied to securing Trump’s endorsement.
Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader John Thune reaffirmed that the filibuster is likely to remain in place despite Cornyn’s call, citing broad Republican opposition to ending the rule.
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