When United States senators want to put the brakes on legislation, they will talk and talk. The more they talk the more it can help to cause a filibuster. In the US Senate, a filibuster is a tactic employed by opponents of a proposed law to prevent the measure's final passage. The most common form of filibuster occurs when one or more senators attempt to block a vote on a bill by extending debate on the measure.

In 1964, on the floor of the US Senate, Democrats held the longest filibuster in the nations history, 60 days. All trying to prevent the passing of one thing, the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The Senate’s official website now states that the “longest continuous debate in Senate history” was directly about the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

Prior to passing the act, Southern congressmen signed the “Southern Manifesto” to resist racial integration by all “lawful means”. This idea is clearly stated in the Library of Congress’ exhibit, “The Civil Rights Act of 1964: A Long Struggle for Freedom”.

According to Senate history, the issue was moved for consideration on March 9, 1964, when “Southern senators launched a filibuster against the bill”. Debates lasted a good 60 days. The vote was down ideological lines. On June 20, 1964, a 'New York Daily News' article about the bill's passage said 46 Democrats and 27 Republicans were in favor of the bill, while 21 Democrats, all from Southern or border states, opposed it along with six Republicans.

More Info: www.senate.gov