Sen. Ron Johnson says Republicans are divided over the future of the filibuster and warns the party is running out of time to secure key legislative priorities, including election-related reforms backed by President Donald Trump.
Johnson made the remarks during an interview on Wednesday with Jack Posobiec, pointing to internal GOP disagreements and what he described as long-term strategic risks if the Senate rule is changed.
“Well, the main holdup is Republicans recognize that at some point in time we'll be in the minority again, might be in 2027, let's hope not, but at some point in time Democrats will run the table and we're going to want the filibuster to make sure that we can stop them from destroying this country with their awful legislation,” Johnson said.
He said the Republican conference is split between those willing to alter Senate rules and those who fear removing the filibuster could backfire if Democrats regain control.
“The split in our conference is between those of us who are 150 percent sure that when Democrats do run the table, they will end the filibuster,” Johnson said. “I have no doubt about that whatsoever, but I've got a lot of colleagues in our conference who, first of all, are reluctant to vote to change the rule, basically giving the Democrats that tool, versus those of us.”
Johnson also argued Democrats are already signaling willingness to eliminate procedural barriers if they regain power, and warned of major structural changes if that occurs.
“They will end the filibuster to turn DC, Puerto Rico to states, pack the Supreme Court, nationalize the elections,” he said.
Johnson said he agrees with Trump that action should have been taken earlier, adding that delay has reduced the effectiveness of proposed reforms.
“I agree with the president. We started calling for this late last year. We should have done it then,” he said.
He added that the issue goes beyond procedural Senate disputes, describing it as a broader political struggle over institutional rules and power.
“We’re at the end stage here. This is a moment of truth,” Johnson said.
Johnson made the remarks during an interview on Wednesday with Jack Posobiec, pointing to internal GOP disagreements and what he described as long-term strategic risks if the Senate rule is changed.
“Well, the main holdup is Republicans recognize that at some point in time we'll be in the minority again, might be in 2027, let's hope not, but at some point in time Democrats will run the table and we're going to want the filibuster to make sure that we can stop them from destroying this country with their awful legislation,” Johnson said.
He said the Republican conference is split between those willing to alter Senate rules and those who fear removing the filibuster could backfire if Democrats regain control.
“The split in our conference is between those of us who are 150 percent sure that when Democrats do run the table, they will end the filibuster,” Johnson said. “I have no doubt about that whatsoever, but I've got a lot of colleagues in our conference who, first of all, are reluctant to vote to change the rule, basically giving the Democrats that tool, versus those of us.”
Johnson also argued Democrats are already signaling willingness to eliminate procedural barriers if they regain power, and warned of major structural changes if that occurs.
“They will end the filibuster to turn DC, Puerto Rico to states, pack the Supreme Court, nationalize the elections,” he said.
Johnson said he agrees with Trump that action should have been taken earlier, adding that delay has reduced the effectiveness of proposed reforms.
“I agree with the president. We started calling for this late last year. We should have done it then,” he said.
He added that the issue goes beyond procedural Senate disputes, describing it as a broader political struggle over institutional rules and power.
“We’re at the end stage here. This is a moment of truth,” Johnson said.
