Filibuster
Definition
A filibuster is the use of extended debate or procedural delay to block or postpone a Senate vote. Senate rules place almost no limit on how long a senator may hold the floor, so a determined minority can prevent a vote unless 60 senators agree to invoke cloture.1
Why it matters
The filibuster gives a 41-vote minority the power to block legislation with majority support, making the Senate the chamber where popular, House-passed bills routinely die without a floor vote. Defenders call it a check against hasty majorities. Critics call it a tool historically used to block civil rights and other majority-backed reforms.
Seen in the wild
Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) held the Senate floor for 25 hours and 5 minutes from March 31 to April 1, 2025, the longest solo speech in Senate history, though it was a protest speech rather than a true filibuster since no bill was pending at the time.2