Senate Democrats are weighing ending the filibuster to pass abortion legislation, The Hill reported Sunday. But they know that doing so could set a precedent for Republicans to push their own issues forward should they regain control of the upper chamber.
"There's real risk anytime there's debate about rules and procedures in the Senate. It becomes very bitter. So yes, there is risk," Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt. said.
Echoing Welch, Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said the current gridlock leaves Democrats little choice.
"As far as I'm concerned, we should be discussing the rules going forward. We're now in a dystopian situation in the Senate where we do very little, if any, legislating."
Vice President Kamala Harris has pushed to lower the 60-vote requirement to pass abortion legislation.
Others, such as Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., have supported getting rid of the filibuster in order to push abortion, immigration, and gun reform legislation. Still, some Democrats are hesitant, recalling how previous changes to Senate rules helped Republicans reshape the Supreme Court.