Blocking a Vote 4 Bills Passing Through 6 Small but Mighty 10 Talking or Silent 12 A Long History 14 Useful or Not More Filibusters More Problems 20 Calls for Change 22 Here to Stay 16 26 Voices in the News 28 SilverTips for Success 29 Contents Glossary 30 Read More 31 Learn More Online 31 Index 32 About the Author 32
4 NEWS Blocking a Vote Lawmakers in the U.S. Senate are at a standstill Some senators are ready to vote on a new law But others will do anything they can to stop it They keep talking for hours What's happening It's a filibuster The longest filibuster lasted more than a day In 1957 Senator Strom Thurmond spoke for 24 hours and 18 minutes
