Advocacy Glossary
Filibuster
What does filibuster mean?
A filibuster is the use of extended debate in the U.S. Senate to delay or block a vote on a bill. Ending one takes a cloture vote, which usually requires 60 senators.
Why it matters for advocates
Senate rules let senators keep debating as long as they want, so a determined minority can stop a bill from ever reaching a vote. Today most filibusters are silent. A senator simply signals opposition and leadership knows the 60 votes are not there.
This is why the real number for passing most bills in the Senate is 60, not 51. Budget reconciliation and most nominations are the big exceptions, since they can pass with a simple majority.
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