Question

How is the filibuster used as a procedural tool in the legislative process? How is a filibuster defeated? Why doesn't the filibuster exist in the U.S. House of Representatives? Give an example of a recent legislative issue/topic in the U.S. Senate in which the filibuster was used. What was the outcome?

Answer 1

Filibuster refers to a tactic that is used in the Senate in order to block a bill being considered by preventing it from being voted on passage. The only way to defeat a filibuster os by gaining passage of a cloture motion. This requires a three-fifths majority vote of the Senators present. The reason why filibusters do not take place in the House of Representatives is because the House has rules that limit the time spent on debates. On the other hand, the Senate places few limits on the rights of senators.

A recent filibuster occurred in 2016 when senator Chris Murphy gave an emotional debate on the subject of gun measures that lasted 15 hours. The result of this was that Murphy was able to secure votes on gun measures from both Democrats and Republicans.

Answer 2

A filibuster is a strategy used by members of the Senate in which individuals continuously talk or give a presentation in order to prevent or delay the Senate from voting on a bill.

A filibuster can be defeated by a cloture vote. A cloutre vote can be called in the Senate during the filibuster process. This calls for an up or down vote to end the debate on a specific topic. In order to end the filibuster, there must be a super majority vote (2/3rds vote).