Today, Explained "Break the Senate"
Jan 12, 2022
President Biden is pushing to change Senate rules to protect voting rights, stirring tensions with Mitch McConnell. The discussion dives into Biden's motivations and the challenges posed by Senator Joe Manchin's opposition. Key voting rights legislation, like the Freedom to Vote Act, is scrutinized against the backdrop of Supreme Court decisions. Strategies to navigate the filibuster and unite moderate Democrats are explored, alongside the contentious debate over its future and the implications for electoral reform.
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Shift to Voting Rights
- Biden shifts focus to voting rights after Build Back Better stalls due to Joe Manchin's opposition.
- There's hope for Build Back Better revival, but voting rights take priority now.
Two Voting Rights Bills
- The Freedom to Vote Act addresses voting accessibility, gerrymandering, and election subversion.
- The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act restores federal review of discriminatory state voting laws.
Electoral Count Act Reform
- Republicans and some Democrats consider Electoral Count Act reform.
- This bipartisan effort aims to prevent election subversion at the state level.