1. What is the filibuster and why is it considered an obstacle to legislation? A filibuster procedure that allows a senator to speak against a bill for as long as he or she can stand and speak. This can become a formidable obstacle or threat against controversial bills near the end of a legislative session. (Gibson, Robinson p. 243) Some of the reasons why the filibuster is considered a barrier to legislation begins with the two-thirds rule which essentially requires the approval of at least two-thirds of senators before a bill can be debated on the ground. Senate floor. This type of rule allows a minority of senators to block controversial legislation. This rule also gives senators the opportunity to vote for both sides of an issue. (Gibson, Robinson p. 243, para. 2) A filibuster can become a powerful and pervasive threat to controversial legislation late in a session. An example of this is when a lieutenant governor may refuse to recognize the sponsor of a controversial bill out of fear of a filibuster that would delay the legislative proposal development process. Something really interesting about the filibuster that has happened in the past is when State Senator Bill Meir of Euless was able to speak for forty-three hours in 1977 against a bill providing for the publication public reporting on workplace accidents. In doing so, he was able to break the world record for longest filibuster, which he held for years. (Gibson, Robinson, p. 243, para. 5.) In my own view of the filibuster, I believe its abusive power poses a threat to legislation because it can become even more deadly when senators decide to 'use a team-based, round-robin approach. against a bill. (Gibson, Robinson, p. 243, paragraph 5) Another good example is that recently from the Texas State Senator...... middle of paper ...... which shows us that obstruction systematic can be effective if you have a well-organized plan in place. As for Wendy Davis' filibuster, I think she accomplished a lot because not only was she able to get national attention, but she was also able to get the support of Democrats in the U.S. Senate, 31 of whom had signed a letter thanking her for the courage and determination to reject a bill that would limit women's rights in Texas. (Walker para 6) Every time an issue on abortion arises again, the women and people of Texas who cared about this bill will remember the efforts of Wendy Davis in her 13-hour filibuster to stop a bill that would have restrictions on abortion. and the independent choices these women might have. Davis even said herself that even if the bill ultimately passed, her filibuster would still raise awareness about the issue. (Welsh para 5)