This is how the filibuster has made accomplishing anything on Capitol Hill incredibly difficult, and what could happen if the Senate rules are changed
Lots of time. Even when cloture is invoked to end a filibuster, the time needed for the cloture process to play out can take time away on the calendar from other legislative business. Even after cloture is invoked, passing a bill can still take two weeks if the minority party insists on dragging things out.Say Democrats have a draft bill ready for a vote on the Senate floor, but they expect some level of opposition.
If the cloture vote is a success, a 30-hour period of consideration begins before senators can first vote on the motion to proceed. This includes time used for debate, roll call votes, quorum calls and other such actions.Assuming the Senate keeps to eight hours in session per day, Monday through Friday, that period lasts nearly four workdays. By the time theyIf that vote to proceed succeeds, the bill can head to the floor for consideration. Senators who oppose the bill might not be done yet.