The phrase is probably most often used by those who are frustrated by opponents in the House or Senate who delay a bill indefinitely by means of various tactics.
In 2005, the phrase was heard most often from Republicans in the United States, who occupied 55 seats in the United States Senate and so lacked the 60 votes required to overcome a filibuster maneuver by the Democratic senators.
[2] A united Democratic bloc was able to filibuster any objectionable bill, presidential appointment, or other matter before the Senate and to prevent its passage.
Many Republican-affiliated websites and political action committees had urged voters to demand of their senators and representatives an "up or down vote" on various issues.
The need for employing the filibuster was removed from 2014-2020 when the Republicans controlled the Senate at the end of the Obama administration and during President Trump's time in office.