Manchin on Filibuster Vote in Senate

Allowing one party to exert complete control in the Senate with only a simple majority will only pour fuel on the fire of political whiplash and dysfunction.

Sen. Manchin (D-WV) on voting against changing a Senate procedure; the change, supported by most fellow Democrats, would have cleared the path for a simple majority vote on election legislation.

• Sen. Manchin joined Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) in voting against changing a rule that requires a majority of 60 votes to halt debate on legislation, effectively clearing a law (in this case an election law) for a simple majority vote.
• This action currently would have benefited Democrats, who hold the majority. The Senate is evenly divided with 50 senators who vote Democrat and 50 senators who vote Republican – but the nation’s VP (currently also a Democrat) serves as a tie-breaker.
• Fellow Democrats have criticized Senators Manchin and Sinema, but both have asserted changing this rule would set a poor precedent.
• Why It Matters: The current federal election legislation in front of Congress will not proceed, but there are indications that lawmakers will potentially consider other legislation. Bottom line – expect more conversation about federal election law.

Democrats Fail in Push to Change Senate Filibuster, Sinking Elections Bill