Filibuster

This congressional action is perceived very differently by Americans - as variously obstructionist or legitimate (often depending on whether the filibuster supports an action aligned with one’s socio-political views).

Specifically, this refers to an attempt by a Senator or group of Senators to obstruct the passage of a bill, favored by the majority, by talking continuously. Because there is no rule in the Senate over how long a member can speak, a Senator can prevent a bill from coming up for a vote by talking endlessly. Senator Strom Thurmond of South Carolina set the record in 1957 by speaking for more than 24 hours without stopping.