THE FILIBUSTER AND CLOTURE

The "filibuster" was created based on the idea that a senator has the right to talk about an issue as long as is necessary, and that the Senate should have the right of unlimited debate.

Using a filibuster to delay or block legislative action started happening in the 1850s, and it became a powerful tool to protect the rights of the minority party and to promote compromise.

A filibuster works like this: If at least 41 of the 100 senators are in strong opposition to a piece of law or a nominee, they can vote to continue talking and debating and block a final vote on the issue. A final vote can only be taken if and when the majority wins 60 senators' votes. This two-thirds, majority vote to end a filibuster is called "cloture."

Even with the cloture rule, filibusters have remained an effective means to block legislation, since a two-thirds vote is difficult to obtain.

The filibuster has been part of America's system of checks and balances for more than 200 years. The filibuster is not just a tool of the Democratic party. In fact, in its long history, it has often been used by both parties.

OTHER RESOURCES
The United States Senate website posted the January 30, 2006, voting results for cloture.

On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture On The Nomination of Samuel A. Alito, Jr. of New Jersey, To Be An Associate Justice Of The Supreme Court )

Read also the United States Senate website's definition of cloture and its history of the filibuster and cloture.