PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Returned to the Calendar. Under Over, Under the Rule.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Jan 5, 2011
Amends rule XXII (Precedence of Motions) of the Standing Rules of the Senate with respect to cloture votes to close debate (end a filibuster) on any measure, motion, or other matter pending before the Senate.
Declares that, if the Senate fails to invoke cloture with respect to a measure, motion, or other pending matter, or the unfinished business, subsequent motions to end debate on the same measure, motion, matter, or unfinished business, may be filed, but only by unanimous consent, until the previous motion has been disposed of.
States that the affirmative vote on a subsequent motion to close debate on any measure, motion, or other matter, or unfinished business (other than a measure or motion to amend Senate rules) shall be reduced by three votes on the second such motion, and by three additional votes on each succeeding motion, until the affirmative vote is reduced to a number equal to or less than an affirmative vote of a majority of the Senators duly chosen and sworn. Declares that the required vote shall then be an affirmative vote of a majority of such Senators. Prohibits any further reduction in the requirement of an affirmative vote of a majority of Senators upon any vote taken on any later motion to close debate on the same measure, motion, matter, or unfinished business.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
Authorizes the Majority and Minority Leaders, after debate has concluded under the rule (cloture) but before final disposition of the pending matter, each to offer up to three leadership amendments if they have been timely filed and are germane to the matter being amended. Limits debate on a leadership amendment to one hour equally divided. Prohibits division of such amendments.
People & committees
Sen. Harkin, Tom [D-IA] · D–IA
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Returned to the Calendar. Under Over, Under the Rule.
Disagreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 12 - 84. Record Vote Number: 4.
Senate roll call 4 · Individual votesFailed of passage/not agreed to in Senate: Disagreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 12 - 84. Record Vote Number: 4.
Senate roll call 4 · Individual votesMeasure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S296-304, S304-329)
Submitted in the Senate. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Over, Under the Rule. (text of measure as introduced: CR S65)
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S19-25, S29, S31, S32-33)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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