filibuster
Filibuster is a proceeding utilized to delay action, especially in a legislative body like the U.S. Senate. A filibuster often takes the form of continuous speeches on the floor of the legislative body, with the group opposing the final vote indicating their intent to speak indefinitely.
Filibusters can take other forms depending on the situation, such as the sustained proposal of amendments to extend debate. If a filibuster has been used, the group seeking a vote on the proposal then has to decide whether to drop the proposal, make agreements with the opposition, or pursue additional procedural means to cut off debate.
In the United States, the U.S. Senate has notoriously been prevented from passing legislation due to filibusters. The practice came into play in the early 19th century; now, a single senator can filibuster a piece of legislation unless a two-thirds majority of the Senate agree to end the filibuster. Usually, a bill in the Senate can pass with a simple majority, but speaking must end before a vote can begin. Thus, senators in opposition to a bill can, given there is nothing limiting their ability to speak on the floor, speak until the bill is withdrawn.
If 41 or more senators threaten a filibuster, Senate rules do not require anyone to physically hold the floor as in a traditional filibuster. Instead, the bill will usually just be withdrawn (known as a “silent” filibuster). Given this procedural tool, most major pieces of legislation do not pass the Senate unless one of the many exceptions to the filibuster apply, such as for appropriations or budget reconciliation.
[Last reviewed in July of 2026 by the Wex Definitions Team]
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