As the government shutdown approaches a record duration, President Donald Trump has urged Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster to resolve the ongoing deadlock in Congress. Trump made this appeal on his social media platform, stating, "It is now time for the Republicans to play their 'TRUMP CARD,' and go for what is called the Nuclear Option -- Get rid of the Filibuster, and get rid of it, NOW!"

With a Republican majority of 53-47 in the Senate, abolishing the filibuster would enable the party to pass a government funding bill without needing support from Democrats. This call to action comes at a critical juncture, as millions of Americans are at risk of losing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to dwindling funds, and recipients of the Affordable Care Act are facing increased insurance premiums as open enrollment begins.

The filibuster is a longstanding Senate rule that allows any senator to block or delay legislative action by extending debate. To end a filibuster, 60 votes, or three-fifths of the Senate, are required. Once the debate is concluded, only a simple majority is needed for a bill to pass. The practice of unlimited debate dates back to the 19th century, and in 1917, the Senate adopted Rule 22, which established a process for breaking a filibuster through a cloture vote. This rule has empowered minority parties but has also frustrated majority parties for decades.

During his first term, Trump attempted multiple times to eliminate the filibuster but faced resistance from within his party. Former President Joe Biden has expressed support for modifying the filibuster to protect abortion rights and advance voting rights legislation.

The term "nuclear option" refers to instances when the Senate has previously adjusted the filibuster rules. For example, during the Obama administration, the threshold for confirming judicial and executive branch nominees was lowered to a simple majority. Similarly, Senate Republican leadership changed the rules for Supreme Court nominees during Trump's first term.

Despite these adjustments, both parties have expressed concerns about completely abolishing the filibuster, fearing it could have negative repercussions when they are in the minority. Senate Majority Leader John Thune previously stated that eliminating the filibuster should be avoided "at all costs." Following Trump's recent comments, a spokesperson for Thune reaffirmed that his stance on the importance of the legislative filibuster remains unchanged.