Pacing legislation
Without cloture, the Senate could debate a single bill indefinitely. With it, the supermajority requirement defines what legislation can pass.
In plain English
Cloture is the only formal way to end a Senate filibuster — get 60 senators to vote to close debate, and the bill moves to a vote.
Example
The Senate invoked cloture in 2013 to end debate on most judicial nominations, lowering the threshold for those votes from 60 to 51.
Why it matters
What the term actually changes.
Nuclear option
Senators have repeatedly changed the cloture threshold for nominations to bypass filibusters — the so-called "nuclear option."
How it works
The mechanics, in practice.
Filing the petition
At least 16 senators sign a cloture petition to schedule a vote on ending debate.
The cloture vote
Two days later the Senate votes — 60 yeas ends debate on legislation; a simple majority suffices for most nominations.
Final passage
After cloture, up to 30 more hours of debate are allowed, then the underlying bill or nomination gets its final vote.
Related guide
How the Electoral College works
The Electoral College is how Americans actually choose the President — not directly by popular vote, but through state-by-state electoral votes that total 538.
Read the guide → Related issue brief
Should the Senate eliminate the filibuster?
The filibuster lets 41 senators block most legislation by refusing to end debate. Supporters say it protects minority rights. Critics say it makes Congress incapable of acting.
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Issue brief
Should the Senate eliminate the filibuster?
The filibuster lets 41 senators block most legislation by refusing to end debate. Supporters say it protects minority rights. Critics say it makes Congress incapable of acting.
Civics guide
How the Electoral College works
The Electoral College is how Americans actually choose the President — not directly by popular vote, but through state-by-state electoral votes that total 538.
Glossary
Gerrymandering
Gerrymandering is when map-drawers shape districts to lock in election outcomes before voters cast a single ballot.