What Is the Filibuster Good For?

A term originally used to describe pirates is now synonymous with U.S. congressional dysfunction.

A historic photo of a politician speaking to the press. December 3, 2025, 12:01 AM Comment icon View Comments ( )

The Senate filibuster, in which a single senator can block a vote by holding the floor unless 60 votes are secured to end debate, has long been a major barrier to legislative policymaking. For decades, both parties have recognized the need to obtain 60 votes for most bills has made it extraordinarily difficult to address major challenges of our times such as climate change, voting rights, and immigration reform. Even government shutdowns have become a routinized part of the political process as the minority party can hold up spending bi

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