Definition: A “filibuster” is when an extended debate other delay tactics are used by Senators to prevent a vote on a bill in the Senate. A filibuster brings action on all bills to a halt is usually reserved as a last-resort tactic.
The word filibuster is derived from a Dutch word for "freebooter," meaning "someone who took booty or loot." Originally the word was translated from Dutch into English as "flibutor," and then freebooter, before eventually becoming "filibuster." It become an informal term used in the Senate in the late nineteenth century.
Other tactics that can be used to initiate a filibuster include:
- Adding unlimited amendments to a bill, despite germaneness (relating to the matter on-hand), and debating them all;
- Continually holding onto the floor and only yielding to supporters; and
- Asking that a quorum call be in effect, which keeps senators there at all hours.
