"extend debates" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to prolong or continue discussions or arguments. Example: The teacher encouraged the students to extend their debates by researching additional evidence and counterarguments.
The filibuster historically has been used selectively for a handful of issues to extend debate, but we don't have a sixty-vote rule.
"At whatever point we get to a cloture vote to extend debate on the nomination of Brennan, it is my view that cloture should not be invoked," Mr. McConnell said.
Energy Assistance Bill Stalls An intense battle over energy policy continued in the Senate on Saturday, as Democrats tried to move forward with a bill to increase subsidies for home heating and other energy costs, but were blocked by Republicans who said they wanted to extend debate on a bill that might more broadly address the issue of high gasoline prices.
Thus the filibuster does not extend debate -- its supposed purpose -- it stops debate.
The Democrats have been able to block the four nominees, who they say are conservative ideologues outside the mainstream of legal thought, by threatening filibusters, extended debates.
According to White House calculations, Senate Democrats have called for record numbers of cloture votes that delayed nominations by extending debates — 79 in all compared with 10 under Barack Obama and zero under George W. Bush.
Senators Tom Udall, Democrat of New Mexico; Jeff Merkley, Democrat of Oregon; and Tom Harkin, Democrat of Iowa, have been among those leading a push to overhaul the rules, including requiring lawmakers to be on the floor to conduct filibusters, the practice of extending debates indefinitely.
The Republicans responded that their actions against Mr. Hagel don't amount to a "filibuster," they're just extending debate and slowing the confirmation process.
Any amendment lacking the support of 60 senators can be filibustered, although uncontroversial ones can be passed without extended debate by unanimous consent.
The power of the host in such programs is enormous, because that person leads from topic to topic, and cuts off or extends debate.
