Filibuster (Extended Definition)

Definition

A continuous speech or series of obstructive motions designed to prevent legislative action; the legislative equivalent of winning by exhaustion.

Example Usage

The senator's 19-hour filibuster on Senate floor procedures didn't change any votes but did establish a new personal endurance record.

Origin

From Spanish 'filibustero' via Dutch 'vrijbuiter'

Fun Fact

Senators famously consume large amounts of water and sometimes wear adult diapers during long filibusters to avoid bathroom breaks

Source: U.S. Congress procedure terminology

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