Mr. Trump again called on Senate Republicans to do away with the filibuster, this time making the case to their faces during remarks at a White House breakfast.
“It’s time for Republicans to do what they have to do and that’s terminate the filibuster,” Mr. Trump said. “It’s the only way you can do it, and if you don’t terminate the filibuster, you’ll be in bad shape. We won’t pass any legislation.”
The president said “we should start tonight with, ‘the country’s open, congratulations,'” before moving to address through legislation things like voter ID and no mail in voting.
“We should pass all the things we want to pass, make our elections secure and safe,” Mr. Trump said.
The president suggested that Senate Democrats would immediately do away with the filibuster if they take power, saying he “wouldn’t even bring it up” if he didn’t think it was the case.
Mr. Trump said “I think it’s very important, we have to get the country open, and the way we’re going to do it this afternoon is to terminate the filibuster.” But he acknowledged that “it’s possible you’re not going to do that, and I’m going to go by your wishes.
“You’re very smart people, we’re good friends, but I think it’s a tremendous mistake, really,” he added.
The president also pushed to do away with blue slips, a practice that gives senators veto power over judicial nominations in their home state.
https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/government-shutdown-latest-trump-senate-republicans-longest-impasse-in-history/
