The modern approach to filibusters has been a tag-team approach where one senator will speak for a period of time and then yield to another senator. In a situation in which several senators participate in an extended period of debate it can actually take some time for the Senate to recognize that a filibuster is being conducted. I can't remember an actual filibuster take place in the 111th Congress, but for Senator Bernie Sanders display of respect for country on December 10, 2010. As a result, the mere threat of a filibuster carries significant weight in the Senate.
Debate within the Senate is limited only under certain situations.
* Cloture is invoked
* Debate is limited by unanimous consent
* The Senate operates under a unanimous consent time agreement
* The Senate considers a motion to table
* The Senate considers a measure governed by a rule-making statute
Each senator is prohibited from speaking more than twice on the same subject on the same legislative day under Senate rules. Due to the fact that each amendment is considered to be a different subject, the two-speech rule is actually not a practical limit on debate.
So what does this GOP Refusal to Govern and STOP DNC from acting mean for American Citizens?
Blocked then stalled unemployment insurance for those out of work; BLOCKED monies for 99'ers
Stalled Small Business Lending Bill - Assist in credit extensions
Stalled Extension of Transportation Appropriations & Authorization Bill
Blocked the DREAM Act
Blocked the Securing Protections for the Injured from Limitations on Liability (SPILL) Act.
Blocked Climate Bill
Blocked Omnibus Lands Bill
The House of Representatives passed over 290 bills sitting stalled in the senate; never to receive a yes or no vote.
Actions speak louder than words.
See Post: "Life Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness"
Change the senate Filibuster Rules!
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