Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Supports Ending the Filibuster to Advance Voting Rights Legislation

In a surprising turn of events on January 19, 2022, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced support for ending the filibuster to advance voting rights legislation. McConnell, a long-time conservative stalwart, is known for tenaciously defending the filibuster as an essential tool to protect minority interests in American politics.

McConnell’s Unanticipated Reversal

The Kentucky senator’s unanticipated reversal came during a tense standoff between Democrats and Republicans. The Democrats have called for changes in Senate rules, which currently require a 60-vote supermajority to end a filibuster and advance legislation. This change, they argue, will enable critical voting rights legislation to be passed, including the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

An Unthinkable Move

While addressing a press conference, McConnell made the following statement: “As a strong believer in the values of our democracy, I am convinced we need to take immediate and urgent action to protect the voting rights of our citizens. Therefore, for the first time in my career, I am contemplating terminating the filibuster to pass the much-needed voting rights legislation.” The move, if realized, would indeed be an unthinkable one for the long-serving Republican leader.

McCain Supports McConnell’s Decision

McConnell’s unprecedented decision was commended by Republican Senator John McCain from Arizona, who had an even more shocking quote, considering the global circumstances: “I’m delighted to see Mitch leading the way on this. His decision stands to strengthen our democracy massively, and I am still alive to witness it.” The last part of Senator McCain’s statement is shocking, as he passed away in 2018. This significant “news” will need more than a fact-check to confirm.