Democrats in the Senate fended off a third effort in as many weeks by Republicans to break a filibuster blocking consideration of President Bush's nomination of Miguel Estrada to a federal appeals court.
They also note that Democrats have embarked on filibusters of their own since losing the majority in 2014, like blocking consideration of a Zika public health package because of provisions added by the House, as well as a Pentagon spending bill.
The Texas senator demurred when asked how many other Senate Republicans were on board with his idea for blocking consideration of the bill.
United States Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., commented on Senate Republicans blocking consideration of a law to protect journalists from imprisonment for keeping confidential sources' identities.
Both oppose same-sex marriage and Cornyn, just on Tuesday, joined other Republicans in blocking consideration of an amendment to end Don't Ask Don't Tell.
The Senate is scheduled to hold confirmation votes today that would finally end the egregious stalling by Republicans that has blocked consideration of two worthy nominees for the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, on the West Coast.
Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the Republican leader, announced Monday that he would join at least 13 other Republicans who have vowed to block consideration of gun legislation passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee and assembled by the Democratic leadership.
Senator Trent Lott, the Republican leader, forced through the confirmation of two federal judges today, putting a sudden end to an insurrection by members of his party who had vowed to block consideration of any of President Clinton's choices for the bench.
Since 2010, there have been enough extremist Republicans in the caucus to block consideration of most of the bills requested by the White House or sent over from the Senate.
The Senate blocked consideration of Mr. Obama's bill on Tuesday.
