Kamala Harris’s Surprising Shift on Major Senate and Legal Issues

Vice President Kamala Harris calls for ending the Senate filibuster to codify Roe v. Wade, marking a significant shift in her stance on the longstanding legislative procedure.

At a Glance

Harris supports eliminating the filibuster to codify abortion rights into federal law
This stance marks a departure from her 2017 position defending the filibuster
The move aims to distinguish Democrats from Republicans on abortion issues
Harris’s position aligns with President Biden’s support for changing filibuster rules
The proposal faces opposition from some Democrats and most Republicans

Harris’s Evolving Stance on the Filibuster

Vice President Kamala Harris has taken a bold stance in advocating for the elimination of the Senate filibuster to codify Roe v. Wade into federal law. This position marks a significant departure from her earlier views, particularly her 2017 co-signing of a letter urging the preservation of the filibuster. Harris’s evolving stance reflects the changing political landscape and the urgency surrounding abortion rights in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

In a recent interview with Wisconsin Public Radio, Harris made her position clear, stating, “I think we should eliminate the filibuster for Roe and get us to the point where 51 votes would be what we need to actually put back in law the protections for reproductive freedom.”

Political Implications and Opposition

Harris’s call to end the filibuster for abortion rights legislation has sparked debate within the Democratic Party and drawn criticism from Republicans. The move is seen as an attempt to distinguish Democrats from Republicans on the contentious issue of abortion, particularly as the 2024 election approaches.

However, the proposal faces significant opposition. Democratic Senators Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema, both staunch defenders of the filibuster, have reaffirmed their positions following Harris’s remarks. Manchin criticized Harris’s stance, stating, “She knows the filibuster is the Holy Grail of democracy. It’s the only thing that keeps us talking and working together. If she gets rid of that, then this would be the House on steroids.”

Potential Consequences and Future Outlook

While Harris’s position aligns with many progressive Democrats, it raises concerns about potential long-term consequences. Senator Sinema warned that eliminating the filibuster for abortion rights could enable a future Congress to ban all abortions nationwide with a simple majority vote. This highlights the complex nature of the filibuster debate and its implications for future legislation.

As the 2024 election approaches, Harris’s stance on the filibuster and abortion rights is likely to remain a key part of the Democratic campaign message. The Vice President has emphasized the importance of maintaining a Democratic majority in both the Senate and House to advance this agenda. However, with a challenging electoral map in the Senate and divided opinions within the party, the path to eliminating the filibuster for abortion rights legislation remains uncertain.