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Is the filibuster rule destroying America’s democracy? | ticker VIEWS

Published

5 years ago

June 27, 2021

It’s been a big week in Washington, with the Senate majority blocked from passing their own laws

It was a blow for the US Democratic party this week when Republican lawmakers moved to rely on the controversial filibuster rule to prevent proposed sweeping voter protections from becoming law.

US Senate Majority Leader, Chuck Schumer labeled the move as “voter suppression”, with many of his colleagues now concerned that the rule is destroying America’s already fragile democracy.

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In many respects, you can see where they are coming from – despite what side of the political coin you fall on.

The Senate’s filibuster rule works by requiring proposed legislation to receive a supermajority before it can progress from a discussion to a vote and, ultimately, become law.

In the Senate, this means that bills must receive support from 60 of the 100 elected Senators – an issue when the Democrats hold the narrowest of majorities with just 51 seats.

The filibuster rule has only been used one other time this session, when it was enacted to block the vote on a bipartisan commission into the deadly January 6 Capitol Riots. But it has been gaining traction over the past decade.

This time, it was used to block the “For the People Act” – a wide-range of measures designed to prevent Republican-led states from implementing new restrictive voting measures.

Particularly, Democrats say the Republican states are trying to make it more difficult for minorities and lower-income Americans from casting their vote and having their say come election time.

Republicans defend their actions as necessary to protect the safety of future US elections.

However, despite all of this, and despite whether or not you believe that the voter restrictions are good or bad, the filibuster rule goes against everything America’s democracy claims to be.

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When a government or a party is elected into power by the people who live and breathe the values of the country – they should have the control to lead the country as they see fit.

Just as the Republicans were able to control the agenda in the Senate’s previous session, the Democrats should be able to control the agenda now.

At the end of the day, what is the point of voting in a senate majority if this majority can’t actually pass any laws?

https://twitter.com/RepMTG/status/1408045915064184832?s=20

News

Epstein hearing explodes over redactions and hidden names

Lawmakers accuse AG Pam Bondi of hiding Epstein-linked names amid congressional hearing, questioning redactions related to billionaire Wexner.

Published

11 hours ago

February 12, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Lawmakers accuse AG Pam Bondi of hiding Epstein-linked names amid congressional hearing, questioning redactions related to billionaire Wexner.

US lawmakers have accused Attorney General Pam Bondi of withholding key names linked to Jeffrey Epstein during a fiery congressional hearing. The confrontation centred on redactions within investigative files that critics argue should have been fully disclosed under federal law.

Representative Thomas Massie pressed the Justice Department over blacked-out sections, specifically questioning references to billionaire Leslie Wexner. Bondi maintained that Wexner’s name was released promptly once flagged, defending the department’s handling of the documents.

Frustration boiled over as lawmakers challenged the extent of the redactions, leading to an extraordinary moment in the hearing as Bondi pushed back and praised President Donald Trump while standing by the department’s review process.

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#EpsteinFiles #PamBondi #USPolitics #Congress #JeffreyEpstein #BreakingNews #PoliticalDrama #TickerNews

News

Angus Taylor moves to challenge Sussan Ley for party leadership

Angus Taylor resigns from Coalition frontbench to challenge Sussan Ley amid Liberal Party divisions and declining poll support.

Published

11 hours ago

February 12, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Angus Taylor resigns from Coalition frontbench to challenge Sussan Ley amid Liberal Party divisions and declining poll support.

Angus Taylor has resigned from the Coalition frontbench to launch a leadership challenge against Sussan Ley, declaring he lacks confidence in her ability to rebuild support for the Liberal Party. His move sets up a high-stakes internal contest that could reshape the party’s direction.

Supporters of Mr Taylor are expected to push for a meeting by Friday to trigger a potential leadership spill, intensifying pressure on Ms Ley. Moderate MPs are calling on her to demand clear proof of numbers before any ballot takes place.

With the Liberals trailing in the polls and facing mounting questions over strategy, both camps are outlining starkly different visions for the party’s future as tensions rise in Canberra.

#AustralianPolitics #LiberalParty #AngusTaylor #SussanLey #LeadershipSpill #Canberra #AusPol #PoliticalNews

News

Iran buries nuclear site entrances amid rising tensions with the U.S.

Published

1 day ago

February 11, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Satellite images reveal that Iran has buried all three tunnel entrances at its Isfahan nuclear complex. Analysts say the move mirrors defensive preparations taken before U.S. airstrikes devastated the facility last year, with no vehicle or personnel activity visible around the entrances.

The burial appears aimed at limiting damage from potential airstrikes and complicating any ground raid targeting enriched uranium stored in the underground facility. Experts suggest equipment or materials may have been moved into the tunnels for protection, though this remains unconfirmed.

The fortification comes amid ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions. President Trump has demanded Iran curb its nuclear program, warning of military action, while Tehran insists halting uranium enrichment is unacceptable. Recent indirect talks in Oman showed little progress toward a new deal.