
What Is the Senate Filibuster and Why Change It?

World News Desk

What Is the Senate Filibuster and Why Change It?

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Changing the filibuster rules is an idea backed by some Senate Democrats eager to advance Mr. Biden’s agenda in the evenly split 50-50 Senate. But Republicans are warning Democrats off any changes.

Here is a look at how the filibuster works in the Senate.

What Is a Filibuster?


The Senate has a longstanding practice of allowing any one senator to object to the proceedings, what is generally referred to as a filibuster that can halt action or votes.

Senators have famously stood at their desks for hours making their case, as the character played by Jimmy Stewart did in “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” or as South Carolina Senator Strom Thurmond did to stall the 1957 Civil Rights Act.


How to End a Filibuster?




What Is the Problem?





Can the Senate Change the Filibuster?


But senators have changed the filibuster rules before.

Fed up with Republicans’ opposition to President Barack Obama’s executive and judicial branch nominees, Democrats led by then-Senator Harry Reid of Nevada changed the rules to set a simple 51-vote threshold for confirming people in those positions.

Republicans under Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky went a step further, eliminating the filibuster for Supreme Court nominees, which allowed President Donald Trump’s three high-court justices to be confirmed.


Back to ‘Talking’ Filibuster?




Some Republican senators might see political advantage to controlling the floor to voice their opposition to White House priorities. The filibusters could also stall action on other Democratic priorities, including Mr. Biden’s nominees.

Mr. McConnell has warned of a “scorched earth” reaction if Democrats eliminate the filibuster.


  • World News Desk
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