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

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

Sen. Robert Byrd: Mountain Fiddler

A Virginia-based record label, County Records, is reissuing Mountain Fiddler, a bluegrass album by former Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV), who passed away late last month at the age of 92.  Sen. Byrd was the longest-serving member of the U.S. Senate in history, at 58 years. Byrd was a self-taught fiddle player, heavily influenced by legendary … Read more