FILIBUSTER!!!!

Who is in control of the calendar for bills in the Senate?

The majority floor leader of the majority party is in control of the calendar for bills in the senate

Why does the Senate allow filibusters?

Senate allows the privilege of the filibuster because the freedom it allows is intended to encourage the fullest possible discussion of matters on the floor.

Who currently holds the record for the longest filibuster in the US senate

Senator Strom Thurmond (R-SC)

How long did the record holder for the longest filibuster speak?

24 hours and 18 minutes

What bill did the record holding filibuster guy want to kill?

The Civil Rights Act of 1957

What are the rules during a Filibuster

Senators must stand when speaking during a filibuster and they have to use formal language. Also can have the cloture rule

The Cloture Rule

The Rule Prevents filibustering and ends debate in the Senate, by a 3/5s (60 votes) vote of the Senate.

Why is it said that the Senate needs 60 votes to pass a bill?

If you don't have 60 votes the action can be filibustered and cannot be stopped by cloture.

What is a filibuster?

the strategic use (or abuse) of a senator's power to use his/her speaking time about a bill. Only a power in the Senate.

5 reasons to filibuster

Want to kill a bill
Want part of a bill removed (or added)
Want to reach a compromise
Want to delay a vote
Raise awareness

Rules of a Filibuster

must remain standing
must keep talking
must no leave the senate chamber
you don't have to talk about relevant stuff

How long did Mr. Smith filibuster?

Approximately 23 hours.

Mr. Smith was a _____________.

Senator

Which monument did Mr. Smith frequently visit during the movie?

Lincoln Memorial

Quorum

The minimum number of members who must be present for business to be conducted in Congress

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

1939 Film about a young senator who exposes corruption in Washington.

nuclear option

a controversial Senate maneuver by which a simple majority could decide to allow a majority to bypass the filibuster for certain kinds of votes. Changes the rules FOR-EV-ER.

Senate Majority Party in the 116th Congress

Republican

Senate Majority Leader

Mitch McConnell (Republican)

Senate Minority Leader

Chuck Schumer (Democrat)