Trump says it is time to get rid of US Senate's filibuster custom

By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Republican U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday it is time to get rid of the Senate's filibuster custom to bypass a Democratic roadblock during the ongoing government shutdown.

The "filibuster" is the Senate rule that requires 60 of the chamber's 100 members to agree to pass most legislation. Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate and a 219-213 majority in the House of Representatives.

"It is now time for the Republicans to play their "TRUMP CARD," and go for what is called the Nuclear Option — Get rid of the Filibuster, and get rid of it, NOW," Trump wrote on social media.

The partial shutdown was in its 30th day on Thursday with no end in sight.

The federal government shutdown could cost the U.S. economy between $7 billion and $14 billion, shaving up to 2% from gross domestic product in the fourth quarter due to the lapse in government spending, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said on Wednesday.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)