Yesterday, Senator Ted Cruz from Texas began a pseudo-filibuster on the Senate floor to show his opposition to the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare) that is set to go into effect next week, Oct 1. Here is just a snapshot of what he had to say...
He began speaking on the
Senate floor at 2:41 p.m.
Official definition of a filibuster:
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filibuster - Informal term for any attempt to block or delay Senate action on a bill or other matter by debating it at length, by offering numerous procedural motions, or by any other delaying or obstructive actions. When there is a true filibuster occuring, no other Senate action can take place. (http://www.senate.gov/reference/glossary_term/filibuster.htm)
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What Senator Cruz is doing and why it is not a true filibuster: The vote is already scheduled and will take place at 10am on Wed, regardless of whether Senator Cruz is still talking. Yes, that's right. It is possible (although highly unlikely) that the Senate would vote even as Senator Cruz is speaking. It will not delay the vote.
Longest Filibusters in Senate History:
5. 16 hours -- 1981, Senator Proxmire
4. 18 hours -- 1908, Senator LaFolette
3. 22 hours, 26 minutes -- 1953, Senator Morse
2. 23 hours, 30 minutes -- 1986, Senator D'Amato
and drumroll please, the longest filibuster in history took place in 1957 by Senator Strom Thurmond. He argued against the Civil Rights Act of 1957. He spoke for 24 hours, 18 minutes. (He was unsuccessful)
Another graphic that shows basically what is going to happen next...
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/09/24/us/politics/what-congress-must-do-to-avoid-a-shutdown.html?smid=pl-share
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