Divided Republicans reunite to mount defense of filibuster

As Democrats struggle for united front, conservative groups act in lockstep to protect Senate procedure that could frustrate Biden's agenda

While congressional Democrats hope to make dramatic changes to a controversial legislative tool that has stalled bills in the Senate and could be used to frustrate Joe Biden's ambitious agenda, Republicans are mounting an all-out defense to protect it.

Conservative outside groups have been organizing overtly and covertly to counter Democratic pressure to gut the filibuster - a Senate device that in effect allows the minority party to halt proposed legislation.