To end a filibuster in the Senate, what is typically required?

• A. A simple majority.
• B. Sixty votes.
• C. A two-thirds vote.
• D. A presidential order.

Answer: (B)

Ending a filibuster in the Senate relies on a procedure called cloture. Cloture requires 60 votes of the full Senate to shrink debate and move to a vote. This 60-vote threshold helps balance the committee of the whole, giving the minority a way to block endless delay while still allowing the majority to proceed when enough senators agree. A simple majority won’t guarantee ending a filibuster because the minority can continue speaking and block the measure without reaching cloture. A two-thirds vote isn’t the rule for ending debate; that level is usually associated with certain major actions like constitutional amendments or overriding a veto. A presidential order can’t force the Senate to end debate. So, when 60 senators vote to invoke cloture, further debate is limited and a final vote can occur.