Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia, who recently switched his party affiliation from Democrat to independent and plans to retire in January, reaffirms his support for preserving the Senate filibuster. In an appearance on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” Manchin expresses confidence that the incoming Republican majority in the Senate, alongside Democrats and independents, will work together to maintain the filibuster and prevent the chamber from “blowing apart.”
Manchin, known for his moderate and often pivotal stance in legislative matters, emphasizes the importance of the filibuster as a tool to ensure bipartisan dialogue and protect minority party rights in the Senate. He argues that removing or weakening the filibuster would lead to legislative chaos and erode the institution’s unique role as a deliberative body.
Despite his firm support for the filibuster, Manchin acknowledges the nuanced approach he has taken during his tenure. He supported the use of reconciliation—a process allowing certain budget-related bills to bypass the filibuster—for the Inflation Reduction Act, a cornerstone of the Biden administration’s agenda. When asked about this apparent contradiction, Manchin defends his decision, stating that reconciliation is a constitutionally allowed tool for budgetary matters but insists that the filibuster should remain intact for standard legislation.
Manchin’s comments come as the Senate prepares for a Republican majority in 2025, a shift that could lead to heightened tensions over the use of the filibuster to block or advance key legislation. The filibuster, which requires a 60-vote supermajority to end debate on most bills, has been a flashpoint in debates over issues ranging from voting rights to judicial appointments.
Progressive Democrats have long called for eliminating the filibuster, arguing that it obstructs critical reforms, including those addressing climate change, healthcare, and voting rights. However, moderates like Manchin and Republicans see the rule as essential to maintaining the Senate’s integrity and fostering compromise.
As Manchin prepares to leave the Senate, his influence on the chamber’s direction remains evident. His advocacy for preserving the filibuster adds weight to the ongoing debate over how the Senate should function in an increasingly polarized political landscape.
Manchin’s departure marks the end of a political career defined by his role as a centrist dealmaker, often bridging divides in a deeply divided Congress. While his decision to leave politics creates uncertainty about who will fill his moderate role, his parting message underscores his belief in the Senate’s ability to rise above partisanship and preserve its foundational traditions.
