Cloture definitions
| Word backwards | erutolc |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Cloture is a noun. |
| Syllabic division | clo-ture |
| Plural | The plural of the word cloture is clotures. |
| Total letters | 7 |
| Vogais (3) | o,u,e |
| Consonants (4) | c,l,t,r |
Cloture is a term used in the United States Senate to end a filibuster and bring a bill to a vote. Filibustering is a tactic used by senators to delay or prevent a vote on a bill by continuously speaking on the Senate floor. Cloture is the only formal procedure that Senate rules provide for breaking a filibuster.
How Cloture Works
Cloture requires a three-fifths majority, or 60 out of 100 senators, to end debate on a bill. Once a cloture petition is filed, there is typically an additional two-day waiting period before the vote can occur. If the 60-vote threshold is met, debate is limited to 30 additional hours, after which a final vote on the bill can take place.
History of Cloture
The Senate first adopted the cloture rule in 1917, in response to filibusters against World War I-related legislation. Originally, a two-thirds majority was required to invoke cloture, but this was reduced to three-fifths in 1975. Cloture is now a critical tool for overcoming obstruction and moving legislation forward in the Senate.
Importance of Cloture
Cloture is essential for the functioning of the Senate, as it allows the majority to bring bills to a vote and make progress on legislative priorities. Without cloture, a determined minority could indefinitely delay or block action on important issues, leading to gridlock and inefficiency in the legislative process.
Overall, cloture plays a vital role in maintaining the balance between majority rule and minority rights in the Senate. By establishing a mechanism to end filibusters and ensure that bills receive a fair up-or-down vote, cloture enables the Senate to fulfill its role as a deliberative body and make decisions on behalf of the American people.
Cloture Examples
- The senator called for a cloture vote to end the filibuster and move forward with the bill.
- Cloture was finally reached after hours of debate, and the legislation was passed.
- The motion for cloture was defeated, prolonging the debate on the controversial issue.
- The senators gathered to discuss the possibility of invoking cloture to speed up the legislative process.
- After much deliberation, the decision to employ cloture was made in order to bring the discussion to a close.
- The minority party sought to prevent cloture in order to continue voicing their opposition to the proposed policy.
- The majority leader scheduled a vote on cloture to bring an end to the gridlock in Congress.
- The rules of the Senate specify the number of votes required to invoke cloture and end debate on a bill.
- Cloture rules are designed to promote efficiency in the legislative process and prevent indefinite delays.
- The motion for cloture passed, prompting the final round of speeches before the vote on the bill.