Manchin and Sinema Vote With Republicans Against Changing Senate Rules for Elections Overhaul

Contact Your Elected Officials
The Epoch Times Header

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) joined Republican senators on Jan. 19 to vote down an attempt by the Democrats to change the rules of the U.S. Senate in order to pass a major elections overhaul bill that was a top priority for President Joe Biden.

Manchin and Sinema have long said they would oppose the so-called “nuclear option” to change the Senate rules so that legislation can be passed with a simple majority.

The 52–48 vote likely marks the end of the push to pass the voting bill, which would have nationalized key aspects of how elections are conducted in the United States, including a provision that would have made voting by mail a permanent option in every state.

Biden traveled to Georgia earlier this month to drum up support for the legislation, though a path was never clear without a change to the Senate rules, which requires 60 votes to overcome a filibuster and pass a bill.

Democrats have considered the nuclear option for months in the face of a threat of a “scorched earth Senate” from Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who vowed to respond to such a move by grinding the legislative session to a halt by employing all procedural means at Republicans’ disposal.

The rules change would have been limited to the voting bill, which is a combination of the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. Among other provisions, the Freedom to Vote act would loosen voter identification requirements in states that require voters to verify their identity to cast a ballot. Democrats claim the rule disadvantages minorities, while Republicans view such a provision as a keystone for election integrity.

“The Senate rightly decided to keep the legislative filibuster. It protects the voice of millions of Americans. It keeps our laws and republic steady. It defends those not in the majority. I am glad to have cast my vote in favor of the rules and against this Democrat power grab,” Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) wrote on Twitter.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), who had made a final push with his own party before the vote, said he won’t give up trying to pass the bill.

“Senate Democrats won’t be deterred. With no support from the Senate GOP—many denying voter suppression even exists—we faced an uphill battle in this vote. But every Senator’s now on record. Americans see who’s for voting rights. It only strengthens our resolve to protect voting,” Schumer wrote on Twitter.

By Ivan Pentchoukov

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

CHARLIE KIRK, YOU WEREN’T PROVED WRONG

"I want to be remembered for courage for my faith,” Kirk had said in a podcast merely two months ago. May his courage spur us to be bolder in our faith.

Trump’s Proposal For NATO To Stop Buying Russian Oil & Start Tariffing China Is Unrealistic

Trump proposed on social media that NATO stop buying Russian oil and start tariffing China 50-100% as part of his plan for ending the Ukrainian Conflict.

The Choices We Make

Death and disagreement are inevitable. Love and hate are choices. We will all die. Before we do, what choices will we make?

Elon Musk Speaks at Unite the Kingdom Rally

Tommy Robinson held rally, with Elon Musk appearing virtually, calling attention to leftist politicians who allow foreign immigrants to invade England.

Doxed Democrats Are Getting Fired Left and Left

Not a misprint because a title of “left and...

Shares of Intel Increase 30 Percent on $5 Billion Nvidia Investment

Shares of Intel increased by about 30 percent at the opening bell after Nvidia announced a $5 billion investment in the struggling chipmaker on Sept. 18.

Kennedy Lauds McDonald’s Initiative to Invest $200 Million in Regenerative Agriculture

HHS Sec. RFK Jr. announced McDonald’s will invest $200M over 7 years to advance sustainable and regenerative agriculture practices.

Federal Judge Blocks Deportation of Unaccompanied Guatemalan Children

A federal district judge formally blocked the DHS from deporting a group of Guatemalan children who entered the US illegally and without parents.

EPA Flags Silicone Chemical D4 as Risk to Humans, Wildlife

U.S. regulators warn D4, used in silicone products from solar panels to cosmetics, may harm women’s fertility and damage wildlife on land and in water.

Trump, Starmer Seal Record $340 Billion ‘Tech Prosperity Deal’

President Trump and British PM Keir Starmer announced a new partnership worth $340 billion in technology, nuclear power, and private equity.

Rubio Says US Visa Revocations Underway After Charlie Kirk Death Celebrations

SoS Marco Rubio said foreign nationals who made celebratory comments over Charlie Kirk’s assassination will have their U.S. visas revoked.

Trump Supports Designating Antifa a Terrorist Organization

President Trump said he would support designating the antifa movement a terrorist organization in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination last week.

US Conducts Strike on Another Drug Boat From Venezuela: Trump

Three people were killed in a U.S. strike on a Venezuelan drug boat, President Donald Trump announced on Sept. 15.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

MAGA Business Central