McConnell backs off Senate filibuster fight with Schumer

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell backed off his demand that Senate Democrats preserve procedural tool kwn as filibuster, easing a standoff with new Majority Leader Chuck Schumer as two negotiated a power-sharing agreement in closely divided chamber.

McConnell said late Monday he had essentially accomplished his goal after two Democratic senators said y would t agree to changing rules to end filibuster, which would require a 60-vote threshold to advance most legislation. Without support of all Democratic senators, a rules change would fail.

“With se assurances, I look forward to moving ahead with a power-sharing agreement modeled on that precedent,” McConnell said in a statement. He did t name Democrats, but West Virginia's Joe Manchin and Arizona's Kyrsten Sinema had expressed reservations to doing away with tool.

Schumer's office said Republican leader had choice but to set aside his demands.

“We’re glad Sen. McConnell threw in towel and gave up on his ridiculous demand," said Justin Goodman, a spokesman for Democratic leader. "We look forward to organizing Senate under Democratic control and start getting big, bold things done for American people.”

standoff between two leaders all but ground Senate to a halt in early days of new Democratic majority as two sides could t organize chamber's routine operations for committee assignments and resources. stalemate threatened President Joe Biden's ability to deliver on his legislative nda.

Usually a routine matter, organizing resolution for chamber became a power play by McConnell once Democrats swept to control after Jan. 5 special election in Georgia.

Even though McConnell did away with 60-vote threshold to confirm President Donald Trump's three minees to Supreme Court, he wanted to prevent Democrats from doing same with Biden's legislative nda.

Democrats were under pressure from liberal advocates to do away with filibuster so y could more easily pass Biden's legislative priorities without need for Republican votes. Democrats hold slimmest of majorities in chamber, 50-50, with Vice President Kamala Harris able to cast tie-breaking vote.

Schumer had t said he would end process, but McConnell was taking chances. McConnell made brazen demand to keep filibuster before agreeing to any or organizing terms for Senate. Schumer's refusal to do so put chamber at a standstill.

details of rest of organizing resolution were t yet set, but y were expected to proceed with any immediate changes to filibuster, at this st, appearing to be off table.

(Im credit: AP)