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The Fine Art of The Filibuster
The Fine Art of The Filibuster
What is a filibuster?
It’s a procedural maneuver by a senator or group of senators to block the party in power from
getting its way. To launch a filibuster, a senator simply asks to be recognized by the presiding
officer, then launches into a speech denouncing the offending legislation—and keeps right on
talking and talking, about anything and everything. This verbal barrage is purposely designed to
temporarily paralyze Senate business, and prevent the disputed matter from being put to a vote.