His decision gives Democrats a 59-seat majority, one short of the 60 necessary to overcome Republican attempts to block legislation.

VOA: standard.2009.04.28

A key stumbling block was Kirkuk. Ethnic Kurds would like to see the oil-rich city under the control of the Kurdistan Regional Government.

VOA: standard.2009.11.09

In light of threats from the Israelis to block the flotilla of ships, Zehra Ozturk says she and her fellow pro-Palestinian activists from Turkey are not thinking about a blockade.

VOA: standard.2010.05.28

Members of a far-left minority party surrounded trade committee Chairman Park Jin's podium and tried to physically block a vote to advance the trade deal to a full ratification vote.

VOA: standard.2009.04.22

And,it is threatening to block what little cross-border traffic exists.

VOA: standard.2010.05.26

While in opposition, the Democratic Party of Japan tried to block the country's Indian Ocean refueling mission for U.S.-led forces in Afghanistan, but agreed not to disrupt the mission before it expires in January.

VOA: standard.2009.08.31

The 60-vote advantage is also important because it will make it far more difficult for Republicans to block passage of bills through a filibuster, in which senators tie up the floor in long speeches to prevent a vote.

VOA: standard.2009.06.30