Former Senator Joe Lieberman believes that eliminating the legislative filibuster, a move some congressional Democrats support, “will ultimately” not be good for our country. ” The former senator, who was Al Gore’s running mate in 2000, said Democrats should avoid the “strong temptation” to take that step.
“In the Senate, the 60-vote demand is actually a major incentive for people from both parties to come together to get something done, as a party rarely has 60 votes,” Lieberman said in an interview with the CBS News correspondent in Washington. Major Garrett for this week’s episode of “The Takeout” podcast.
Highlights from this week’s episode:
- Former Senator Joe Lieberman on the importance of the filibuster: “In the Senate, the 60-vote demand is actually an important incentive for people from both parties to get something done together, because very rarely does a party have 60 votes.”
- Provision in Biden’s coronavirus bill to increase the minimum wage: I think if you work through something so controversial, it will be a problem for the rest of the two years and make it more difficult for Congress and President Biden to get many of the things done that really need to be done. “
- Constitutionality of impeaching former President Trump: “I think the House was right in impeaching President Trump and I think it is right that the Senate is holding a trial.”
- Disapproval resolution against Mr. Trump: “I think there should be a lawsuit, and if there aren’t enough votes to convict when it’s over, then I think there should be a bipartisan declaration of censure from President Trump for his conduct in relation to the election.”
Democrats currently hold a 50-seat majority in the Senate, and Vice President Kamala Harris is holding a draw. If the Democrats were to eliminate the filibuster, the legislation could move forward with a simple 51-vote majority instead of reaching a 60-vote threshold, meaning Democrats could pass legislation without any Republican backing. However, at least two Democrats – Senators Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema – have expressed opposition to the filibuster ending.
“I’m glad it seems that the Senate will not vote now to end the filibuster. Get some things done, ”said Lieberman. Lieberman, who has served with President Biden in the Senate for two decades, argued that the president is “essentially a center-left Democrat” who will be able to negotiate with Republicans.
He also warned against using the budget reconciliation process to accept Mr Biden’s $ 1.9 trillion coronavirus control proposal. Using budget reconciliation, the Senate can promote budget legislation by a simple majority, instead of 60 votes.
“Atonement can be overused,” said Lieberman. “This isn’t really a way to go if you can avoid it.”
And he would oppose breaking budget reconciliation rules to pass the proposal, which includes a provision that increases the minimum wage to $ 15 an hour.
“I wouldn’t jam through an increase in the minimum wage,” said Lieberman. “I think if you work through something so controversial, it will be a problem for the rest of the two years and make it harder for Congress and President Biden to get many of the things done that really need to be done.”
Lieberman also discussed the impending impeachment lawsuit against former President Trump. Although Mr. Trump is no longer in office, Lieberman agreed that there should be a trial to hold Mr. Trump accountable.
“I think the House was right in impeaching President Trump, and I think it is correct that the Senate is holding a trial,” said Lieberman. He added that he supports the idea of passing a resolution of disapproval against Trump as a “two-pronged, unifying statement against his behavior.”
“I think the trial should be held, and if there aren’t enough votes to condemn when it’s over, then I think there should be a bipartisan declaration of censure from President Trump for his conduct in relation to the election,” said Lieberman. .
For more conversations from Major with Lieberman, download the podcast ‘The Takeout’ on Art19, iTunes, GooglePlay, Spotify and Stitcher. New episodes are available every Friday morning. You can also watch “The Takeout” on CBSN Friday at 5:00 pm, 9:00 pm, and 12:00 pm ET and Saturday at 1:00 pm, 9:00 pm and noon ET. Visit www.takeoutpodcast.com for a full archive of “The Takeout” episodes. And you can listen to “The Takeout” on select CBS News Radio affiliates (check your local listings).
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