Virginia Case

Over the past several months, we’ve heard a lot about ‘the filibuster' — and yes, I can already feel some eyes glazing over at the wonky ‘inside-Washington’ language about the Senate process. But after a historic election and record-breaking voter turnout, the American people want to see Congress pass laws that improve our lives and reflect a democracy we all deserve. Yet mere mention of the term 'filibuster’ can shut down discussion, almost instantly, throughout Washington. 

Why? The answer isn’t simple, but perhaps sharing my own exploration of what the filibuster is all about, analyzing its historical context, discovering the different paths and options toward achieving legislative action, and finally, explaining how the League arrived at our position on this complicated tool, can be helpful to others.   

What Is a Filibuster Anyway?

Praised as the protector of political minorities from the absolute power of the majority, or attacked as a tool of partisan obstruction, the right of unlimited debate in the Senate, including the filibuster, has been a key component of the Senate’s unique role in the American political system. The complex nature of this process contributes to its name. Derived from Dutch and Spanish words which described pirates the raiding Caribbean islands, the term began appearing in American legislative debates in the 1850s. All this to say, this filibuster thing has been around for a while and with a less-than-pristine origin story.   

Even by the Senate’s own depiction, the filibuster tradition of unlimited debate has allowed for action that, by design, prolongs debate and delays or prevents a vote on a bill, resolution, or amendment. However, before 1917, the Senate rules did not provide for a way to end debate and force a vote on a measure. In that year, the Senate adopted a rule to allow a two-thirds majority to end a filibuster, a procedure known as “cloture.” In 1975, the Senate reduced the number of votes required for cloture from two-thirds of senators present and voting to three-fifths (60) of the 100-member Senate. 

The Accidental Rule that Created the Filibuster

How the Filibuster Works

The Historical Use of the Filibuster: A Tool to Silence Communities of Color and Women

The filibuster has been used by both major political parties in different ways, but it “has always been used to block measures that would lead to racial equity and justice,” according to Erika May, deputy senior director of criminal justice and democracy campaigns for Color of Change, a racial justice advocacy group. Specifically, the filibuster has been used to stop anti-lynching bills, uphold racist poll taxes, and block civil rights legislation.   

A recent report by Demos shows the impact that the filibuster has had on communities of color is clear and ugly:  

"The filibuster is a racist remnant of a Senate designed to entrench white minority rule. It actively stifles the legislative process, and throughout history has been used to protect racial terror, like lynching, and prevent progress on civil rights legislation and other issues Black and Brown communities care about. In obstructing legislation that would advance racial and economic justice, the filibuster also undermines organizing, democratic participation, and electoral victories fueled by Black and Brown communities." 

There’s little doubt that depriving certain communities of their rights will  have negative  impacts for decades to come.  

The League’s Filibuster Reform History

The League strives to ensure that our government works as effectively and fairly as possible at every level. Though issues like Senate rules and appropriations may not sound “sexy,” League members and the public recognize these rules as essential to the functioning of American democracy.  

In 2011, the League called for reform of the rules governing the US Senate. In place of a deliberative process that prioritizes open debate, accountability, and cooperation, the Senate descended into gridlock and partisan warfare at great cost to our nation. The unprecedented use of the filibuster and so-called “holds”—when a single Senator grinds Senate business to a halt by denying unanimous consent, often done in secret and out of the view of the American people—did a grave disservice to our democracy. The League called upon senators to reform the Senate rules in a way that would maintain the chamber’s best traditions and end the needless obstructionism.   

In 2013, the Senate reached a modest agreement to amend the filibuster but failed to go far enough in not have long-standing reformation.  

With a decade of Senate reform activism in our rear-view, the League is confident in our ability to continue to act on behalf of voters. Yes, we still proceed with caution. After all, the League’s reputation as a nonpartisan organization is unwavering, and we fully recognize that any change to Senate rules has consequences for the future of our democracy. But our country cannot move forward on vital issues to all our people until our government is freed from this gridlock. Therefore, the League of Women Voters is steadfast in our support of filibuster reform.  

Why the League Supports Filibuster Reform