Senator Ron Johnson, a Republican from Wisconsin, issued a forceful warning Sunday that his party will face serious consequences if it fails to recognize and counter a growing Democratic push to eliminate the Senate filibuster.
Johnson highlighted what he called “the Democrats’ plan to nuke the filibuster” and urged Republicans to consider using the so-called “nuclear option” themselves in order to pass legislation—especially as the federal government remains shut down and lawmakers struggle to break the stalemate.
He argued that Democratic intentions to scrap the minority-rights safeguard in the Senate would leave Republicans vulnerable when power shifts again, noting that “every last one of them in the Senate right now has pledged to nuke the filibuster.” Johnson told reporters the GOP must “act first” or risk being unable to prevent sweeping changes—such as the expansion of the Supreme Court or fundamental policy shifts—from being rammed through.
While the senator’s remarks reflect mounting frustration over stalled budget negotiations and the shutdown’s impact, they also underscore an internal party debate: stay with tradition or pre-emptively overhaul Senate rules to secure legislative victories.