The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Nov. 5, 2025
To help end the U.S. government shutdown, President Donald Trump called for an end to the filibuster. Just what is the filibuster, and how does it work?
There are currently 53 Republicans, 45 Democrats and 2 independents in the U.S. Senate. It’s true that most votes in the Senate are decided by a simple majority. But to bring a bill to a vote is where the filibuster comes in.
An 1806 senate rules change inadvertently allowed unlimited debate on a bill, allowing senators to stall legislation by never closing off debate, according to a Brennan Center explainer. In 1917, a “cloture” rule was created, ending debate with a two-thirds, or 66-vote majority. In 1975, the 66 votes needed was reduced to 60.
Filibusters can be a “talking” filibuster or a “silent” filibuster. In April, Senator Cory Booker spoke for 25 hours opposing Trump administration policies. The more common is a silent filibuster. When 41 or more Senators oppose even a simple bill, the senate majority leader won’t likely bring it to the floor.
“Carve-outs” are exceptions to the filibuster rule, and includes confirmation of federal court judges and passing budgets, which need only a simple majority.
What are the ramifications of permanently ending the filibuster, the so-called “nuclear option”? More on that in an upcoming report.
We have more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
Truth Social – President Donald Trump post about ending the filibuster
Brennan Center for Justice – The Filibuster Explained
The Hill – Trump: Democrats likelier to win midterms, White House if GOP doesn’t end filibuster
The Hill – Trump’s call for end to filibuster faces GOP headwinds
Ballotpedia – Partisan Breakdown of the United States Senate
U.S. Senate – History of the Filibuster
Groups Taking Action:
Declaration for American Democracy (DFAD), Common Cause US, League of Women Voters US
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
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