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Why do filibusters succeed in blocking legislation?

Aug. 29, 2025 · Analysis and Commentary · by Amy West

For our next mailbag post, we're answering a common question about the filibuster: Why doesn't the Senate just let senators wear themselves out with delay tactics like the talking filibuster and then just pass the legislation anyway?

Short Answer: There are actually several ways single senators or a minority of senators can hold up legislation, and the talking filibuster is by far the least-often used.

Why does such power exist to hold up legislation? It's intentional: It is a part …