Creating a new exception to the filibuster is gaining support among Senate Democrats
WASHINGTON — Senate Democrats, looking for a way to raise the debt limit without Republican support, are considering changing the chamber's rules and allowing the debt limit to be increased with a simple majority, creating a new carve out for the filibuster.
The filibuster has become the target of liberal activists, who say that the Senate rule that requires 60 votes to pass most pieces of legislation is standing in the way of Democrats' enacting sweeping pieces of legislation, including expanding government programs, enacting gun control and climate measures. Moderate Senate Democrats have opposed getting rid of the filibuster.
"We're not going to default," he told reporters on Tuesday. "I just know that there's enough people here that will not let this country fall to default." But Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Tuesday ruled out using that process for the debt limit increase.
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