How long can a senator hold the floor of congress?

Question

Recently I was watching a movie called Mr. Smith goes to Washington. In the Movie Mr. Smith goes to Washington, Mr. Smith, a senator, is able to hold the floor of the senate for a extended period of time as long as he 1st does not sit down 2nd that he doesn't stop talking. I was wondering if those rules still applied today and if not, what are the rules regarding it?

Answer 1

"A senator who seeks recognition usually has a right to the floor if no other senator is speaking, and then may speak for however long he or she wishes. There is no motion by which a simple majority of the senate can stop a debate and allow the senate to vote in favor of an amendment, a bill or resolution, or any other debatable question....[There are] two pontential filibusters before the senate votes on whether to pass [a bill]: a filibuster on a motion to proceed to the bill's consideration; and second, after the senate agrees to this motion, a filibuster on the bill itself.

"Senate Rule XXII, however, known as the "cloture rule," enables senators to end a filibuster on any debatable matter the senate is considering. Sixteen senators initiate this process by presenting a motion to end the debate. The senate does not vote on this cloture motion until the second day after the motion is made. Then it usually requires the votes of at least three-fifths of all senators (normally 60 votes) to invoke cloture. Invoking cloture on a proposal to amend the senate's standing rules requires the support of two-thirds of the Senators present and voting."

Answer 2

Yes, a Senator can filibuster. There are ways to stop a filibuster, one of which is a cloture vote, where 2/3 (If memory serves) can vote to end it.

Answer 3

As long as he (or she) can remain standing and talking. Without taking a break, sitting down, or eating or drinking anything.

That's a filibuster.

Answer 4

Don't ask KKK Byrd (D-WVA) he'll take 3 hours if he wants.