| Vote threshold | Exceptions |
|---|---|
|
1917 •
Senate adopts a rule allowing the Senate to invoke "cloture," limiting the time to debate a bill, with the votes of 2/3 senators present.
|
|
|
1949 •
Senate rules change to require 2/3 of all sworn senators, present or not, to invoke cloture.
|
|
|
1959 •
Senate rules revert to requiring 2/3 of those present to end debate.
|
|
|
• 1974
Budget reconciliation process established, allowing some measures related to revenue and spending to bypass the filibuster.
|
|
|
1975 •
Threshold to end a filibuster changed to 3/5 of all sworn senators, which today remains 60 votes.
|
|
|
• 2013
Senate Democrats eliminate the 60-vote threshold for executive branch and judicial nominations.
|
|
|
• 2017
Senate Republicans eliminate the 60-vote threshold for Supreme Court nominations.
|