Filibusters and cloture are parliamentary procedures used in legislative bodies, primarily in the United States Congress, to prolong or limit debate on a specific bill or measure. A filibuster occurs when a senator, or a group of senators, continuously speak on the Senate floor to prevent a vote on a bill. It is an extended speech that aims to delay or obstruct the legislative process. Filibusters can consume a significant amount of time and be used to rally public support or draw attention to a particular issue.

On the other hand, cloture is the legislative procedure that can bring an end to a filibuster and allow a vote on the bill to proceed. Cloture requires a three-fifths majority vote, or 60 out of 100 senators, to limit further debate and end a filibuster. Once cloture is invoked, the senators can still debate the bill but only for a limited time, usually up to 30 hours. After the time for debate expires, a vote is then taken, and the bill can move forward towards passage or rejection.

Filibusters and cloture are powerful tools that can shape the legislative processes, but they have also been topics of controversy and debate. Some argue that filibusters aid in protecting minority interests and ensuring a thorough examination of bills, while others criticize them for obstructing the legislative process and preventing timely decision-making. Cloture, on the other hand, is seen as a mechanism to restore order and move forward with the legislative agenda. Understanding the dynamics of filibusters and the crucial role of cloture is essential in comprehending the workings of the democratic process in the United States.