Trump renews call to end filibuster rule after healthcare failure

President Donald Trump, disappointed by the Senate’s failure to pass healthcare reform, echoed his desire to end the upper chamber’s legislative filibuster on Friday. “If Republicans are going to pass great future legislation in the Senate, they must immediately go to a 51 vote majority, not senseless 60,” Trump tweeted. Congressional Republicans worked for months on healthcare legislation using a limited reconciliation process. The Senate requires 60 votes to end debate on legislation, but through reconciliation, 51 votes can pass certain pieces of legislation. Early Friday morning, only 49 of the 52 Senate Republicans supported a narrow repeal of Obamacare, killing the effort for the foreseeable future. Trump tweeted at 2:25 a.m. that three Republicans and 48 Democrats let the American people down: “As I said from the beginning, let Obamacare implode, then deal. Watch!" Shortly after Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., cast the third GOP “no” vote, sinking the bill, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said he was sure Democrats were celebrating. “I was trying not to jump up and down and smile," Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., told CNN. The repeal effort would have defunded Planned Parenthood for one year, disappointing pro-life advocates. “Last night's vote is a slap in the face to the millions of pro-lifers who worked hard to elect a pro-life majority in the U.S. Senate,” said Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life of America.