Filibuster Question

[Vinca]

I know we need a certain number of votes to prevent cloture, but can individual senators delay votes indefinitely by speaking (a la Strom Thurmond's marathon against civil rights)? I'm worried that even if most Dems want to filibuster, the "gang of 14" will convene and that will be that, and then our only hope might be "plan B", extended - very extended - remarks. I can imagine Feingold doing this, among others.

[unblock]

1. not anymore. they changed the rules a while back

in the '80's, i think. once upon a time, a filibuster brought ALL senate business to a halt. well, committees always could operate, but nothing could reach the floor because it was tied up by the filibuster.

they changed that, so now, a filibuster merely tables the one thing you're filibustering, but the senate can proceed with other business.

there are always other delaying tactics, but the grand marathon speech has been relegated to hollywood and history.

[Vinca]

2. Thanks for the info. Too bad, though. We need a Jimmy Stewart moment.nt

[Innocent Smith]

3. No

The rules on clouture were orginal changed to 2/3 in 1917 and then changed to 60 votes in 1975.

[Coexist]

4. here are the rules:

http://www.senate.gov/reference/resources/pdf/RL30360.pdf

[mcscajun]

5. Cloture cannot be invoked before the fact.

So a filibuster cannot be cut off before it starts, but it can be brought to a screeching halt, with a 3/5 vote.

Sixteen Senators are required to present the motion for cloture. The vote on the motion comes two days after the motion was made. Three-fifths of all Senators (60 votes) are required to invoke cloture.

[mom cat]

6. That would be a good time to educate Americans.