Peters Says “We Have To Reassess the Filibuster” If GOP Won’t Act in Good Faith

Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) says it might be time to “reassess” the filibuster in the U.S. Senate if Republicans continue to refuse to negotiate with the Democratic majority.

“If they are not acting in good faith, then we have to reassess the filibuster rule.” — Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI)

Amid threats from Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell about a “scorched earth” Senate, Peters says, “If we have Republicans on these big pieces of legislation that are necessary for our country, if they are not acting in good faith, then we have to reassess the filibuster rule.”

This is a shift from his previous neutral comments on changing the filibuster rule. Peters says, “The American people expect us to get things done. It’s critically important in these next couple of years … We have to make sure that we show to the American public that we know how to govern.” 

Listen: Sen. Gary Peters on the Senate filibuster and making effective change in Congress.

Guest

Sen. Gary Peters is a Democrat representing the state of Michigan. 

The Center for Effective Lawmaking recently named Gary Peters the most effective Senator in the 116th Congress. Despite being in the minority party, Peters was able to sign 10 bills into law in the past two years, earning him the highest Legislative Effectiveness Score of 5.015. 

He says his recent distinction as the most effective senator in the 116th Congress comes from his record of nonpartisan work. “I’ve had more bills signed into law than any Democrat or Republican these past two years.” On the issues currently facing the American public, Peters says progress will take larger efforts from the 117th Congress. “There are a number of structural changes that need to take place,” he says. 

Web story written by Nora Rhein.