GOP expected to filibuster Jan. 6 Commission vote in Senate before Memorial Day weekend

Senate Republicans are expected to deploy the filibuster to block a vote to create a commission to investigate the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

"They're going to use the filibuster on it, and it's really a sad day," Sen. Dick Durbin, the Democratic whip, said Wednesday, predicting his Republican counterpart’s actions, according to CBS News.

The Senate is split 50-50 among Democrats and Republicans. Democrats need to reach 60 votes to pass a measure, meaning they need the support of 10 Republicans. The GOP's failure to supply the votes is effectively a filibuster.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Wednesday the Democrat-controlled chamber will "likely" vote on the bill this before the Memorial Day recess scheduled to begin Friday.

If the filibuster is used, it could stall the vote until after the recess. Democrats are also considering a legislative maneuver to pass the measure with a simple, 51-vote majority. 

If Senate Republicans using the filibuster to block the commission vote, it would mark the first time they defeat a President Biden priority with the tactic.

Two Republican Senators, Utah's Mitt Romney, and Alaska's Lisa Murkowski have voiced their support for the commission.