In a compelling farewell address, U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema strongly defended the Senate’s filibuster, emphasizing its importance in safeguarding democratic procedures.
AZ Central reported that Sinema warned about the dangers of abolishing the filibuster as she concluded her term, emphasizing the necessity of bipartisanship and democratic guardrails.
Elected in 2018 as a Democrat and later becoming an independent in 2022, Sinema has often found herself at odds with her party over her support for maintaining the filibuster. Her farewell speech reinforced her belief that its removal represents a "devolution" and a "danger to democracy."
She argued that scrapping the 60-vote threshold could lead to severe national consequences, especially in a narrowly divided Senate where some Democrats have contemplated such measures to push forward their agenda.
Sinema's stand on the filibuster has been a central theme of her tenure, causing rifts within her party as the debate over its future intensifies.
During her address, Sinema urged her fellow lawmakers to commit to bipartisanship and respect for institutional norms.
She highlighted the importance of the Constitution and Senate rules, which she depicted as critical to preventing the excesses of majority control.
She stressed, "Many now blame these guardrails for blocking critical progress, instead of recognizing that it is us, our actions, our words, our incivility and, ultimately, our unwillingness to compromise that prevent reasonable solutions from advancing."
Reflecting on the nature of political power, she cautioned, "One-party rule is not democracy. That’s autocracy," underlining the need for balanced governance.
Despite choosing not to seek reelection and a noted decrease in her Senate attendance, Sinema’s legislative achievements underscore her commitment to the bipartisan effort. She lamented the potential repercussions of eliminating the filibuster for short-term political gains.
Her tenure saw significant legislative successes such as the infrastructure bill and the CHIPS Act, which passed with bipartisan support, embodying the type of cooperation she advocated.
Attending her farewell speech were notable figures such as Senators Amy Klobuchar and Mitt Romney, both of whom have worked across the aisle with Sinema on various legislative projects.
Mitt Romney, who attended the farewell, praised Sinema as his "best friend" in the Senate, a testament to the bipartisan relationships she has cultivated.
He shared personal anecdotes about their friendship, reinforcing the unexpected connections formed in political life.
Senator Mark Kelly, though not mentioned in Sinema’s remarks, acknowledged her efforts on social media, commending her legacy of advocating for vital issues like marriage equality and gun safety.
With Sinema’s departure, incoming Senator Ruben Gallego will take over, bringing a new perspective and approach to the challenges and opportunities ahead.
As Sinema exits the Senate, her calls for maintaining the filibuster and fostering bipartisan dialogue leave a notable imprint on the legislative body's future proceedings. Her warnings against sacrificing long-term democratic stability for short-term advantages resonate as a crucial consideration for her successors.
