1. Democrats are now engaged in a full-scale legislative blockade, stopping all bills with objections and threatened filibusters.

2. This device, called “cloture,” can halt filibusters, but it was used rarely because as it was so difficult to gain the support of that many senators.

3. About Filibusters and Cloture The Senate tradition of unlimited debate has allowed for the use of the filibuster, a loosely defined term for action designed to prolong debate and delay or prevent a vote on a bill, resolution, amendment, or other debatable question.