Legal Definitions - cloture

Cloture is a way to end debate on a proposal and hold a vote to decide if it will pass. In the U.S. Senate, a three-fifths majority is usually needed to use cloture, which means 60 votes if there are no empty seats. If the debate is about changing procedural rules, an even larger two-thirds majority is required in the Senate. In the U.S. House of Representatives, a simple majority is enough to stop debate.

A vote for cloture is the main tool lawmakers have to defeat a filibuster. In practice, the filibuster and the subsequent cloture rule mean that no law can pass the Senate without a three-fifths majority of support. The cloture rule is outlined in U.S. Senate Rule XXII.

For example, if a senator wants to pass a bill but another senator keeps talking and delaying the vote, the first senator can call for cloture to end the debate and hold a vote. If enough senators vote for cloture, the debate ends and the vote takes place.