Senate Democrats are bracing for Republican leaders to defy the parliamentarian to end three California emissions rules critics say amount to an electric vehicle mandate.
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and other top Democrats sent the GOP a letter Monday warning of “profound institutional consequences” should they use the Congressional Review Act to undo Biden-era EPA waivers for the rules by simple majority vote.
Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) on Monday suggested had not made a decision yet. “We’re still looking at that,” he said. “We’re having conversations.”
That Republicans are even considering the issue is too much for Democrats, who say defying the parliamentarian would amount to an affront on the filibuster, which requires 60 votes to cut off debate on legislation. Democrats say it would amount to going “nuclear.”
