Senator Mullin Warns Filibuster May Be Scrapped Over Shutdown Standoff
As the federal government endures its longest shutdown in history, Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) is sounding the alarm on this dire situation. He is calling out Senate Democrats, demanding they take immediate action on government funding bills. If they don’t, Mullin warns that it could lead to the end of the Senate filibuster for budget-related measures.
In an impassioned statement shared widely on social media, Mullin revealed he had discussed the ongoing shutdown with former President Donald Trump. They agreed that if Democrats persist in blocking efforts to reopen the government—especially regarding funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)—Republicans might be forced to end the filibuster for appropriations bills. “If [there’s a shutdown]—the conversation about busting the filibuster on appropriations bills will have to come to the table, FAST!” Mullin insisted, amplifying his message with a potent call to action: “Do the right thing and NUKE THE FILIBUSTER!”
The record-breaking shutdown began on October 1, 2025. With no bipartisan cooperation or even a temporary resolution in sight, Congress has stalled on passing necessary funding. This deadlock stems primarily from disputes surrounding ICE funding, healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, and disputes over presidential authority in potential future administrations.
Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), are resisting Republican proposals that overlook the guarantees of healthcare subsidies. House Democrats, under Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), face accusations from Republicans of obstructing progress to undermine Trump’s executive authority, particularly concerning immigration.
Mullin, serving on both the Senate Appropriations and Finance Committees, has taken a strong stand in advocating for significant rule changes to overcome the legislative gridlock. He characterized the demands from Democrats during negotiations as “some of the most ridiculous” he’s encountered, asserting they are trying to “take authority away from President Trump.”
With 52 Senate seats held by Republicans, the existing rules require 60 votes to end a filibuster, giving Democrats substantial power to block bipartisan funding measures. Mullin’s proposal to eliminate the filibuster for appropriations would enable funding legislation to pass with a simple majority— a drastic shift not seen since the rules were altered in 2017 for Supreme Court confirmations.
“We’re talking about disabled veterans not getting care, military families missing paychecks, and kids losing access to school meals through Head Start and SNAP,” Mullin stated emphatically. “All because a minority of Senators want to hold all that hostage.”
The shutdown’s repercussions are substantial and already being felt. Since late October, more than 800,000 federal employees, including military service members, have not received paychecks. Additionally, SNAP benefits were suspended, cutting off food assistance for millions of low-income Americans. Programs essential for pregnant women and infants face financial uncertainty as emergency funds dwindle, and early childhood education for 800,000 children in Head Start is at risk. Even air traffic controllers are working without pay, raising safety concerns; Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) warned, “All it takes is one little accident. Air travel is nothing to mess around with.”
The stark facts underscore the urgency of the situation. Yet, it remains uncertain just how long Democrats are willing to perpetuate the shutdown to secure their calls for healthcare subsidy assurances and limits on Trump’s executive power.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) remarked, “We’ve lost five weeks—so the November 21st deadline no longer makes a lot of sense.” Thune asserted that efforts for bipartisan solutions have been made, only to be met with resistance. “The Dems are having a hard time taking yes for an answer,” he declared, in reference to negotiations that appeared to be progressing until Democrats withdrew their support over last-minute stipulations.
Even moderate Democrats have voiced concerns about their party’s position. Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) observed, “It seems they’re pretty dug in, and they’re okay screwing people over on their healthcare.” In contrast, Senator Blumenthal (D-Conn.) held a more hopeful view, suggesting, “There seems to be some indication of a thaw,” though tangible progress remains elusive.
In a bid to overcome the stalemate, Senate Republicans introduced a two-part funding strategy in late October. This plan aimed to fully fund military construction, Veterans Affairs, USDA, and congressional operations through September 30, 2026, while provisionally funding the remainder of the government through late January. However, Democrats rejected both proposals.
Mullin has consistently voted to restore funding and reopen the government, casting his vote thirteen times in favor of various bipartisan measures. Unfortunately, each of these efforts failed because of Democratic filibusters. The current shutdown has exceeded 37 days, far surpassing the average duration of similar situations in recent years.
“I’ve now voted 13 times to reopen the federal government, restore pay for essential federal workers, and get critical services like SNAP and WIC back online for Oklahoma families in need ahead of the November 1st cliff,” Mullin has reiterated. He emphasizes that bipartisan cooperation should be straightforward and calls on “five more Senate Democrats” to break ranks with their party.
The looming issue reflects deep concerns over executive authority, particularly the Democrats’ apprehension that a Trump-led Department of Homeland Security would intensify immigration enforcement and other policies without oversight. Democrats are urging provisions that would restrict ICE’s ability to operate independently, a condition Republicans firmly oppose.
This standoff elucidates the legislative bottleneck the filibuster has created. As pressure builds—notably among military and civilian federal workers suffering the immediate consequences—some Republicans, like Mullin, see changing Senate rules as the sole path forward.
“We can’t let bureaucratic games cost Americans their jobs, their food, or their safety,” Mullin asserted. “If that takes a filibuster change, then let’s talk about it—because enough is enough.”
With Thanksgiving approaching and federal employees facing another missed payday, the discussion around the filibuster may shift from theoretical to essential. This could soon become the only viable means to reopen the government before further damage occurs.
"*" indicates required fields
