What Happens During a Filibuster
When a senator filibusters, they stand up and speak on the Senate floor about any topic they choose. They can read from books, discuss their home state, or talk about the bill being voted on. The senator must keep talking and cannot yield the floor to another senator. If the senator stops talking or leaves the floor, the filibuster ends and the Senate can vote on the bill.
How to End a Filibuster
The only way to stop a filibuster is through a cloture vote. A senator or group of senators must request cloture, which is a formal motion to end debate. If 60 senators vote in favor of cloture, the filibuster ends and the Senate can vote on the bill. This supermajority requirement means that a simple majority cannot stop a filibuster alone.
Why the Filibuster Exists
The filibuster was created to protect minority viewpoints in the Senate. The rule allows a smaller group of senators to have more power and forces the majority to negotiate and find compromise. Without the filibuster, a simple majority of 51 senators could pass any bill they wanted without listening to the other side.
Famous Filibusters
The longest filibuster in Senate history lasted 24 hours and 18 minutes, delivered by Senator Strom Thurmond in 1957. Senators have used filibusters to delay votes on civil rights bills, judicial nominations, and major legislation. Some people view filibusters as necessary protection for the minority, while others see them as a tool that blocks important bills from passing.
Changes to the Filibuster Rule
In 2013 and 2017, the Senate changed the filibuster rule for certain types of votes. Presidential appointees and Supreme Court justices now require only 51 votes instead of 60 to confirm. However, the filibuster remains in place for regular legislation, meaning 60 votes are still needed to pass most bills. 
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