Fact Check: The longest filibuster in U.S. history was 75 days. It took place in 1964, when Democrats tried to block the Civil Rights Act.

Fact-Check: The Longest Filibuster in U.S. History

What We Know

The claim that "the longest filibuster in U.S. history was 75 days" and that it took place in 1964 when Democrats tried to block the Civil Rights Act is misleading. The actual longest multi-speaker filibuster lasted 60 days and ended on June 10, 1964, when the Senate invoked cloture to proceed with the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This filibuster was primarily led by a faction of Southern Democrats, not the entire Democratic Party (U.S. Senate, AP News).

While it is true that the Senate was in session for 75 days during this period, the actual debate on the Civil Rights Act was only 60 working days, which included multiple sessions and discussions (New York Times).

Analysis

The claim of a 75-day filibuster appears to stem from a misunderstanding of the Senate's operational timeline versus the actual duration of the filibuster itself. The 60-day filibuster was indeed a significant event, marking a historic moment in the fight for civil rights in the United States. It involved intense debate and was characterized by a coalition of Southern senators who opposed the Civil Rights Act (AP News, USA Today).

The confusion regarding the 75-day figure may arise from the fact that the Senate was engaged in various legislative activities over that entire period. However, the specific filibuster against the Civil Rights Act itself lasted for 60 days of continuous debate. This distinction is crucial for understanding the context of the claim.

Additionally, while the filibuster was led by Southern Democrats, many Democrats from other regions actively supported the Civil Rights Act, highlighting a division within the party rather than a unified opposition (Politifact, Constitution Center).

Conclusion

The claim that "the longest filibuster in U.S. history was 75 days" is False. The longest multi-speaker filibuster lasted 60 days, not 75, and while it was a significant event in the context of the Civil Rights Act, it was not a unified effort by all Democrats. The misrepresentation of the filibuster's duration and the involvement of the Democratic Party as a whole contributes to the inaccuracy of this claim.

Sources

1. Civil Rights Filibuster Ended - U.S. Senate
2. Post touting longest filibuster gets some facts wrong - AP News
3. SENATE INVOKES CLOSURE ON RIGHTS BILL, 71 TO 29, ENDING 75-DAY FILIBUSTER - New York Times
4. Fact check: Democrats hold Senate filibuster record, 75 days - USA Today
5. The longest filibuster in U.S. history was 75 days and “took place in 1964” - Politifact
6. The filibuster that almost killed the Civil Rights Act - Constitution Center