what is a filibuster

A filibuster is a political procedure in which one or more members of a legislative body prolong debate on proposed legislation to delay or entirely prevent a decision. In the United States Senate, the filibuster is a powerful legislative device that allows a senator or senators to speak for as long as they wish on any topic they choose, unless "three-fifths of the Senators duly chosen and sworn" (usually 60 out of 100 senators) bring debate to a close by invoking cloture under Senate Rule XXII. The term "filibuster" was borrowed in the early 1850s from the Spanish filibustero, which referred to lawless plunderers attacking and pillaging Spanish colonies in Central America. The filibuster has been historically used to delay or block a vote on a piece of legislation or a confirmation. It has been particularly useful to southern senators who sought to block civil rights legislation, including anti-lynching bills. The filibuster has been a subject of debate and controversy, especially in recent times, with discussions about potential changes to the rule in an effort to pass certain bills.