Filibuster / Unlimited Debate (CongressionalGlossary.com)

Filibuster / Unlimited Debate Creative Commons License photo credit: PatrickRohe When a senator is recognized to speak on a pending measure, few limitations are placed on her. Debate is generally unlimited on all pending measures. A senator may yield to another senator for a question, but the senator still controls the floor. One of the … Read more

Cloture / Rule XXII / Nuclear Option (Congressional Glossary)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Cloture / Rule XXII / Nuclear Option photo credit: Robbie1 Cloture is the process by which a filibuster can be ended in the Senate other than by unanimous consent. Cloture is the only procedure by which the Senate can vote to set an end to … Read more

Understanding Filibusters in Congress

Filibusters are made possible in part due to Senate rules providing that when a senator is recognized to speak regarding a pending measure there are few limitations. Debate is typically unlimited regarding pending measures. Once a senator is recognized, she can yield to another senator for the purpose of a question, but the senator that … Read more

Understanding Cloture in Senate Floor Proceedings

Filibusters may be ended by one of two ways: either through negotiation among senators or through a process known as invoking cloture. Cloture is the only procedure by which the Senate can end debate without rejecting the measure under consideration at the same time. Creative Commons License, Photo credit: Robbie1 Several stages for invoking cloture … Read more

Goodwin, Byrd, and the Filibuster

Carte Goodwin (D-WV) was sworn in Tuesday as an interim replacement of Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV), who passed away on June 28 while in office. At 36 years old, Sen. Goodwin is the youngest current Senator, and is filling the shoes of the man who was the oldest and, as we mentioned yesterday, the longest-serving Senator. … Read more