What is cloture?

How many votes does cloture need?

For most legislation, cloture requires three-fifths of senators duly chosen and sworn. That means 60 votes when all 100 Senate seats have sworn senators. Vacancies can change the threshold. Absences do not lower it.

With 100 senators sworn in, a 59–41 cloture vote fails. A 60–40 cloture vote succeeds. Even if only 90 senators vote, cloture still needs 60 votes when all 100 seats have sworn senators.

The Senate’s filibuster and cloture overview explains the three-fifths rule and its history.

What happens in a cloture vote?

1. At least 16 senators sign a cloture motion, also called a cloture petition.
2. A senator files the motion on a specific question, such as a bill, amendment, or motion to proceed.
3. Under the usual schedule, the Senate votes one hour after it convenes on the second calendar day after filing.
4. If cloture succeeds on legislation, the Senate generally has up to 30 more hours of consideration before the vote.

The Senate can agree to change the schedule or use less time. The Congressional Research Service guide to cloture explains the steps and time limits.

Does cloture mean a bill passed?

No. A successful cloture vote limits debate on the pending question. The Senate still must vote on that question. Cloture on a motion to proceed moves toward a vote on whether to take up a measure, not final passage.

Final passage of an ordinary bill generally requires a simple majority of senators voting, with a quorum present. A failed cloture vote does not reject the bill outright. It leaves debate unlimited under that procedure, so the bill may stall or supporters may try again.

Does the 60-vote rule always apply?

No. Current Senate precedents allow a simple majority to invoke cloture on presidential nominations, including Supreme Court nominees. Their time limits can also differ from legislation. The Congressional Research Service guide to nominations covers those rules.

Cloture on a measure to amend Senate rules requires two-thirds of senators present and voting under Rule XXII. Budget reconciliation bills follow special rules that already limit debate, so they do not face an unlimited-debate filibuster.

See how your senators vote

On a roll-call record, “On the Cloture Motion” means a vote to limit debate, not a final-passage vote. Check the question and result before you judge a senator’s vote. The representative vote guide shows where to find official records.