Number: RL30360
Title: Filibusters and Cloture in the Senate
Authors: Richard S. Beth and Stanley Bach, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: This report discusses filibusters and the Senate's cloture rule for ending them. The report begins with a discussion of the Senate rules that make filibusters possible, and the rules that precedents that affect the conduct of filibusters. Next the report discusses provisions of the Senate's cloture rule, how cloture is invoked, and what effect cloture has on the process of floor debate and amendment. The report concludes with comments on the effects of filibusters, and the threat of filibusters, on how the Senate conducts its legislative business, and on recent developments affecting the use of both filibusters and cloture.
Pages: 24
Date: Updated March 28, 2003