Definition
The mere possibility that a senator might filibuster, which is so powerful that the actual filibuster almost never happens anymore because the threat alone kills the bill.
Example Usage
The minority party's filibuster threat forced the majority to negotiate terms even though they technically had the votes to pass the bill.
Origin
Modern Senate procedural reality, emerged as common tactic in 1990s-2000s
Fun Fact
Senators don't even have to stand and talk anymore; just threatening a filibuster is enough to require 60 votes, which means only bipartisan bills pass
Source: U.S. Senate procedure
Related Terms
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