Monmouth Poll Shows Notable Public Split On Ending The Filibuster

A Monmouth University opinion poll shows a notable divide amongst the US electorate on whether ending the Senate filibuster, which allows for the minority party or individuals to hold up legislation indefinitely, is the correct thing to do.

• Do you approve of the filibuster?: 34% approve, 34% disapprove, 33% no opinion. 800 respondents, April 8-12 2021.
• Approval of the filibuster - by party: 61% Republicans, 38% Independents, 9% Democrats
• Do you think the Senate should get rid of the filibuster entirely, keep it but reform how it can be used, or keep it as is with no changes?: Get rid of entirely: 19%, Keep but with reforms: 38%, Keep with no changes: 38%
• Given the major legislative packages the Biden administration is likely to try to get through Congress in the coming months - including the multi-trillion dollar American Jobs Plan and American Family Plan, as well as reforms to controversial areas such as gun rights and immigration, there is a significant chance that the filibuster will be utilised by Republicans in an effort to stymie Democratic efforts.
• The prospect of removing the filibuster looks slim, with all Republicans opposed and moderate Democratic senators such as Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) likely to oppose the move as well.
• This could force more legislation down the route of a reconciliation process, as seen with the administration's previous COVID-19 relief package. While this would circumvent the filibuster, it may limit the scope of Democrat plans for increased spending given the Byrd rule that seeks to prohibit raising the national debt via reconciliation without wider support.