WASHINGTON — Factions of senators are working to strike deals on issues from infrastructure and gun legislation to voting rights and police reform. But Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is proving, again and again, that the road to making law goes through him.
McConnell, R-Ky., doesn't control the floor or command a majority. But he is seen as an effective tactician by his caucus, and that allows him to wield a powerful weapon: the filibuster rule.
A pattern is emerging for legislation the majority seeks to pass in the Democratic-controlled Senate: When McConnell supports it, it has a chance. When he opposes it, it tends to run headlong into the 60-vote barrier. In short, there is no easy route to pick off the necessary 10 Republicans without him.
