How to Use a Filibuster

A filibuster is the act of one or more senators controlling the floor to prevent a vote. The name is taken from the Dutch word for "pirate" because it's equated with hijacking the senate floor. Senators use the filibuster to change, postpone or defeat any legislation or presidential nominee to which or whom they are opposed. Filibusters don't happen often, but when they do, they are an effective means for achieving the desired results. Read on to learn how to use a filibuster.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Threaten to filibuster. The mere threat of continuous debate and endless speeches on the senate floor can sometimes result in a change in the legislation before it ever comes to a vote. This can also provide time for both sides to come to a compromise on the given issue.

2. Prepare for the filibuster. If the threat doesn't get results, be prepared to go through with the action. Gather information on the issue, or on any issue for that matter, and be prepared to speak for a long time. Gather other senators who share your views on the issue and who will speak on your behalf. Some senators have been known to bring sleeping accommodations with them as preparation. One story recounts how Senator Strom Thurmond spent time in a steam room before his filibuster to dehydrate himself, this action eliminated the need to visit the restroom for a long period of time. This enabled him to hold the floor for a record 24 hours and 18 minutes.

3. Execute the filibuster. Once a senator has control of the floor he must speak continuously about any subject. In the 1930s Huey P. Long filled his filibuster with excerpts from Shakespeare and recipes. A senator may turn the floor over to others who support him and will continue the filibuster. The only way to end it is to have a supermajority, which is sixty of the one hundred senators, vote for the bill. This is not easy to do and very rarely happens.