Some hope for bipartisanship in Washington

“Bipartisan Breakthroughs …” was the title of an encouraging digital news piece on Feb. 11.

NBC reported “Congress is suddenly racking up modest yet consequential victories.” Here is some of NBC’s list of bipartisan bills: protecting victims of sexual abuse, improving mail delivery, a U.S. China competition bill “Make it in America Act,” a framework for an omnibus bill to address federal spending, bans on stock trades by lawmakers and “Earn It Act” about child abuse.

Included in the article, a quote from Sen. Susan Colins, R- Maine: “The only way you’re going to be able to produce accomplishments that matter to the America people is to work across the aisle.” And from Sen. Joe Manchin D-W.VA. “People realize we’re not going to get rid of the filibuster. If you want to get something done, you’ve got to work together.”

Perhaps a hint that the filibuster is a good thing? The original purpose of the filibuster, after all, was to force bipartisanship through the uncomfortable, yet crucial process of compromise.

Mary Maxson

West Liberty