Schumer starts debate on voting legislation, says "eyes of the nation" are on the Senate - CNN

The Senate majority leader repeated his threat that if Senate Republicans filibuster the elections bill from advancing, Democrats will attempt to change Senate rules changes in order to pass the legislation, an effort that also appears doomed to fail.

"We must consider and vote on the rule changes that are appropriate and necessary to restore the Senate, and make voting legislation possible," Schumer said.

Democrats eye 'talking filibuster'

Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin gave the first indication of the rules change that Democrats are looking to try to make in order to pass voting legislation: Force senators to hold the floor and mount a talking filibuster if they want to block legislation.

And once they stop talking, the Senate can advance the bill with just 51 votes.

"It's more of a talking filibuster," the Illinois Democrat told CNN when asked about the proposed rules change.

Separately, five well known sports figures, including famed basketball player Jerry West, penned a letter to Manchin asking him to help pass voting rights legislation.

They said the bill is "urgently needed legislation that will protect both the rights of voters and the integrity of outcomes in all Federal elections."

About 30 voting rights protesters were arrested by Capitol police on Tuesday after breaching the plaza perimeter and singing protest songs on the Senate steps.