Past & Kins

The Longest Filibuster in U.S. Senate History (March 8-9, 1957)

Written by WorldLegacy.Net

Background

A filibuster is a political strategy used in the U.S. Senate where a senator delays or blocks legislation by speaking for an extended period. By 1957, civil rights legislation had gained momentum in the United States, sparking resistance from Southern segregationist politicians who sought to prevent racial equality reforms.

At the center of this battle was Senator Strom Thurmond of South Carolina, a staunch opponent of civil rights legislation. His goal was to stop the Civil Rights Act of 1957, which was designed to protect African Americans’ voting rights—the first major civil rights law since Reconstruction.

What Happened?

  • On March 8, 1957, Senator Strom Thurmond took the Senate floor at 8:54 PM and began what would become the longest filibuster in U.S. history.
  • Non-stop speech: Over the next 24 hours and 18 minutes, he spoke continuously, reading from the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, state election laws, and even restaurant recipes to stall the vote.
  • Bathroom strategy: To keep going, Thurmond strategically dehydrated himself in a steam room beforehand, allowing him to avoid needing breaks.
  • Despite his record-breaking effort, the filibuster failed. The Senate eventually voted to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1957, which allowed the Justice Department to intervene in cases of racial discrimination in voting.

Impact for the Future

  1. First Civil Rights Act since Reconstruction – The law established the Civil Rights Division in the Justice Department, laying the groundwork for stronger civil rights protections in the 1960s.
  2. Foreshadowed the Civil Rights Movement – While the law had limited immediate impact, it marked a turning point in the federal government’s involvement in civil rights, paving the way for the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
  3. Filibuster Reform Debates – Thurmond’s filibuster demonstrated how a single senator could obstruct progress, fueling later debates about filibuster reform and the balance of power in the Senate.

Though Thurmond opposed desegregation, his record-breaking filibuster ultimately failed, and the Civil Rights Movement pressed forward toward greater equality.