On the recordMarch 8, 2010
On many occasions, the majority leader has been compelled to file a cloture petition, which is well known on this Senate floor. I don't believe it even has to be explained to C-SPAN viewers, even though it is technical and arcane, because it has been used so often. But in case anyone new is watching C-SPAN2--or perhaps I should say in case anybody is watching C-SPAN2--just a word of explanation. If a Senator places a hold on a nomination, that is a signal for a filibuster. Unfortunately, we don't have filibusters. I have been in the Senate now since being elected in 1980 and I have been part of only one real filibuster. Had we utilized that procedure, perhaps there would be fewer holds and fewer moves toward filibuster. People really had to stand up here and argue, as Senator Thurman did historically once, for some 26 hours. But when the majority leader is compelled to file a cloture petition, cloture is invoked, and then some 30 hours must be consumed where the Senate can take care of no additional business, the two lights are on, there is a quorum call, and it is a colossal waste of time.
