In modern times, a filibuster in the U.S. Senate allows a minority of senators to prolong debate and delay or block a vote on legislation. To invoke cloture and end a filibuster, at least 60 senators must vote in favor, which effectively requires a supermajority for most legislation. The rules also allow for a "talking filibuster," where senators can speak for as long as they wish, but recent changes have made it easier to limit debate on certain matters, such as judicial nominations. Additionally, the use of the filibuster has become more common in partisan disputes, leading to ongoing debates about its reform or elimination.
A filibuster is an unlimited speech by one or more Senators, in turn, in the Senate that can kill a bill by delaying the vote. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi's recent all-day marathon speech of 8 hours about DACA dreamers set a record for the longest continuous speech since at least 1909.
New senate rules. Actually, it's stronger now than ever. Historically, the filibuster was used as a temporary measure to block a bill's passage, by hijacking the debate on the bill for a fixed amount of time. In the 1800s, the method was that a Senator (or series of Senators) wishing to mount a filibuster would have to gain recognition from the presiding member (i.e the "chair"), and then begin to speak. They could speak on any subject they wished, though, traditionally, it was supposed to be on the evils of the bill being considered. That person could hold the floor for as long as they could continue to speak. They could also recognize questions from others in the Senate, who could ask extremely complicated questions of extreme length. By this method, no other Senate business could continue, as the filibustering Senators held the floor for discussions. The limit was that Senators had to be physically present and continue the string of speeches. As soon as the last speaking senator ended, the Chair could call to close the discussion. Thus, filibusters were only able to last a few days at the most, and ALL Senate business halted during the filibuster. A filibuster was breakable by a 2/3rds vote of those PRESENT (not total Senate membership), if the Chair so desired to call for the closure. In the early 1900s, the rules were changed so that continuous, round-the-clock speeches were not required. Instead, the Senate could adjurn for the day, and pick up the next day with the same speaker holding the floor. Otherwise, everything was the same. So, once again, a filibuster meant that ALL Senate business could be halted, now for potentially several weeks or more. Sometime after WW2, the Senate rules again changed. Now, the filibustering senator merely had to indicate that they wanted to filibuster, and the Chair had to recognize that filibuster was being done. There was no longer any need to actually speak (or, even be continually present). In addition, filibusters could now be directed against specific bills WHILE OTHER SENATE BUSINESS CONTINUED. Even worse, closure was changed to be 60 votes of the entire Senate, not just 2/3rd of those present. This was a huge change - it effectively meant that the filibuster was now trivial to use, and had no cost. It could be of unlimited duration, for so long as 60 votes were not able to be mustered for a "closure" of discussion, the filibuster was unbreakable (as there was no effort required) and would never end. Tradition kept the filibuster from being too abused, until the partisan 2000s showed up. Now, it has become a very potent tool for the minority party (in particular, but not exclusively, the Republican Party) to block legislation indefinitely. It effectively means that all bills now require a 60-vote margin to pass in the Senate, rather than a normal 51-vote simple majority. There has been some serious discussion that the rules need to change to reflect this problem of too-easy filibusters. However, the only way to change these rules is at the BEGINNING of a Senate session.
The "House Rules" as opposed to the Senate Rules, refer to the internal formalities of how day-to-day business is conducted in the House of Representatives.
They worry that some day they themselves may want to use the filibuster and do not want to jeopardize the Senate tradition of free debate.
Opening day in the House of Representatives is more complicated than in the Senate due to the larger number of members and the need for a formal organization process. The House must elect a Speaker, establish rules, and assign members to committees, which involves a more extensive logistical coordination. In contrast, the Senate has fewer members and typically operates with established rules from the previous session, making its opening day proceedings more streamlined. Additionally, the Senate’s continuity allows it to focus on legislative business more quickly.
A filibuster is an unlimited speech by one or more Senators, in turn, in the Senate that can kill a bill by delaying the vote. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi's recent all-day marathon speech of 8 hours about DACA dreamers set a record for the longest continuous speech since at least 1909.
YES!
speaker of the house ;)
Because all 435 of the House's seats are up for election every two years, the house technically has no sworn members, no rules, and no organization until its opening day ceremonies are held. The Senate is a continuous body with 1/3 of its 100 seats up for election every two years, therefore the Senate's opening day is more structured and organized than the House of Reps.
Though the Constitution designates the Vice President as the President of the Senate, the day-to-day leadership is typically handled by the Majority Leader of the Senate. This individual is responsible for scheduling legislation, managing party strategy, and guiding the Senate's legislative agenda. The Majority Leader plays a crucial role in facilitating discussions and negotiations among senators, ensuring the efficient functioning of the Senate.
Ides of March
opening day in the house 435 seats are up for election. opening day in the senate, only 1/3 of the seats are open for election.