Filibuster

Filibuster refers to a legislative tactic used in parliamentary procedure, especially in the U.S. Senate, where a member or group of members prolong debate or delay legislative action to prevent a vote on a proposal.

It often involves delivering lengthy speeches or using procedural maneuvers to extend debate indefinitely, intended either to kill controversial legislation or draw attention to specific issues.

Filibuster meaning with examples

• During a heated debate on healthcare reform, Senator Lee initiated a Filibuster, delivering a five-hour speech that detailed his concerns about the proposed changes, effectively delaying a vote that many believed would pass swiftly.
• The environmental bill faced a Filibuster from a coalition of senators who opposed its provisions. They spoke for hours about the potential harms, holding the floor and preventing any further discussion or voting on the issue.
• In a surprise move, a junior senator conducted a Filibuster against a judicial nomination, insisting that the nominee's views were misaligned with mainstream jurisprudence. This strategic delay raised significant eyebrows among political analysts and supporters alike.
• The opposition party employed a Filibuster tactic to draw attention to their alternative proposal, believing that by extending debate, they would sway public opinion and force the ruling party to reconsider their stance.