The U.S. Senate filibuster is a procedural tool that allows a minority of senators to delay or block legislative action by extending debate. It developed after the Senate, in 1806, removed a rule that had allowed debate to be ended by a simple majority. This created a loophole where senators could speak indefinitely to delay votes. The first formal use of a filibuster occurred in 1837, and over time, it became a powerful tactic for minority parties to influence or obstruct legislation. | Armstro