In a dramatic turn of events, the federal government narrowly sidestepped a shutdown last Friday, thanks to the passage of a contentious continuing resolution, which received the endorsement of former President Donald Trump.
The path to this resolution was fraught with political maneuvering and intrigue.
As reported by RedState, the Republican Party, holding a slim majority with 53 Senate votes, required cooperation from several Democrats to secure the necessary support. This cooperation was uncertain, as Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) initially indicated a willingness to let the government shut down. However, he and a few other Democrats ultimately decided to cross party lines, reasoning that a shutdown would inadvertently enhance the White House's control over federal agencies.
Prior to this resolution, a faction of Democrats had advocated for employing the filibuster to obstruct the continuing resolution. This stance was particularly controversial given that many of these same Democrats had previously criticized the filibuster as a "relic of Jim Crow," with some even dubbing it the "Jim Crow filibuster."
The inconsistency in their position was not lost on former Democrat Senator Kyrsten Sinema, who had been ostracized by her party for her steadfast refusal to dismantle the filibuster. Sinema's reaction to the Democrats' change of heart was pointed, as she took to social media to highlight the apparent hypocrisy.
Sinema's stance on the filibuster has been a point of contention within her party. Notably, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) once described the filibuster as a "cherished relic of segregation," while former President Barack Obama labeled it "another Jim Crow relic." President Joe Biden echoed these sentiments, aligning with Obama's perspective. Despite these criticisms, the filibuster's perceived utility to Democrats in this instance prompted a reevaluation of their position.
Sinema's principled stand on the filibuster has come at a personal cost. She endured significant backlash from the left, including being confronted by protesters in a restroom, for her refusal to capitulate to demands for its elimination. Her decision to remain independent and eventually exit the Senate race was influenced by the Democratic Party's withdrawal of support, paving the way for now-Senator Ruben Gallego's rise.
The filibuster remains a critical tool in the legislative process, serving as a bulwark against sweeping policy changes that could lead to a more socialist, rights-restricting society when Democrats are in power.
Sinema's commitment to preserving this mechanism, despite the personal and political sacrifices it entailed, is commendable. While she may still align with liberal positions on many issues, her dedication to this principle has earned her respect from those who value the filibuster's role in maintaining a balanced government.
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