Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022 | 2 a.m.
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The Senate is closely divided, requiring all Democratic senators to vote together along with the vice president to reach a majority — unity of purpose is a necessity to getting things done. Beyond that, a change in the filibuster rule is also needed to proceed.
All Republican senators routinely vote as a bloc against any Democratic measure, and two Democrats are voting with the Republicans, effectively eliminating any progress on critical measures such as voting rights and the Build Back Better bill.
Explaining his position on the filibuster, Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., has written: “Protecting this right, which is a value I share, should never be done in a partisan manner.” Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., said: “I will not support separate actions that worsen the underlying disease of division.”
Clearly, both senators’ stances promote division in defiance of their party’s position on these matters and at the expense of the needs of their own constituents. Voters: Take notice and take action.
