Under current United States Senate practice, a 60-vote supermajority is generally required to invoke cloture and end debate on most legislation, meaning most bills cannot advance without reaching that threshold.
November 24, 2025
high
procedural
Describes the cloture threshold commonly associated with the Senate filibuster and its effect on advancing legislation.
The filibuster is a Senate procedural practice rather than a provision written into the United States Constitution.
November 24, 2025
high
legal
Distinguishes the filibuster as a rule/practice of the Senate rather than a constitutional requirement.
The practice commonly referred to as the filibuster traces its origins to United States Senate rule changes enacted in 1806.
November 24, 2025
high
historical
Identifies the historical origin often cited for the development of the filibuster practice.