1、Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code 98-780 GOVUpdated March 7, 2005Cloture: Its Effect on Senate Proceedings Walter J. OleszekGovernment and Finance DivisionLong known for its emphasis on lengthy deliberation, the Senate
2、 in mostcircumstances allows its Members to debate issues for as long as they want. Further, theSenate has few ways either to limit the duration of debates or to bring filibusters(extended “talkathons”) to an end. For instance, a Senator may offer a nondebatablemotion to table (or kill) an amendment
3、 or he or she might ask unanimous consent torestrict debate on pending matters. The Senate has one formal rule Rule XXII forimposing limits on the further consideration of an issue. Called the cloture rule (forclosure of debate), Rule XXII became part of the Senate rules in 1917 and has beenamended
4、several times since. This fact sheet, one in a series of fact sheets on legislativeprocess, discusses cloture. For more information on legislative process, seehttp:/www.crs.gov/products/guides/guidehome.shtml.Under its current formulation, Rule XXII requires a cloture petition (signed by 16Senators)
