Legal Definitions - filibuster

Filibuster is a tactic used to delay action, especially in a legislative body. It involves continuous speeches or proposing endless amendments to extend debate indefinitely.

In the United States, the Senate is notorious for being prevented from passing legislation due to filibusters. A single senator can filibuster a piece of legislation unless a two-thirds majority of the Senate agrees to end the filibuster.

For example, if a senator opposes a bill, they can talk until the bill is withdrawn. If 41 or more senators threaten a filibuster, the bill will be withdrawn without anyone having to continuously give speeches.

This procedural tool is often used to prevent major pieces of legislation from passing the Senate unless one of the many exceptions to the filibuster applies, such as for appropriations.