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filibuster explained
what we see more often is a type of procedural roadblock based on the Cloture Rule (Rule XXII). Cloture is the process that brings debate to an eventual end by imposing a time limit of 30 hours on debate. To pass, cloture requires 60 votes, more than the simple 51 vote majority required to actually pass the bill itself. This means that 41 senators can prevent a vote on any bill or nomination that might otherwise pass with a vote of saw 55-45. What’s more, they don’t actually have to be on their feet talking or debating; they merely have to state their intention to filibuster, thus making the process quite painless and anonymous for themselves, which is how they like it. This has become known as the "silent filibuster," and it is a weapon wielded with increasing frequency by the Senate minority.
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