Because most bills require 60 votes to end a filibuster, a party with only 41 votes (out of 100) can stop a bill from ever reaching a final vote. That’s not majority rule — it’s minority veto power.
Source: U.S. Senate procedure, cloture rule requires 60 votes to end debate.
2. It has stalled major legislation.
Voting rights bills, climate measures, and many bipartisan proposals have repeatedly failed to advance because of filibusters, even when a majority supported them. This shows the filibuster can stop laws that public polls say most Americans want.
Source: Multiple Congress sessions show voting rights measures repeatedly blocked.
3. It’s not mandated by the Constitution.
The filibuster is a Senate rule, not a constitutional requirement. That means it can be changed by the Senate itself — it’s not sacred or untouchable.
Source: Filibuster was formally codified as a rule in the 1800s; before that, it didn’t exist.
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