cloture

/ˈkloʊtʃər/

When a Senate debate is brought to a swift end, it's done with a procedure called cloture. Cloture is most often used to end a filibuster.

Other governments, including the U.K. and Australia, have similar rules for halting debate. The United States first adopted cloture in 1919 as a response to filibusters, which occur when a Senator speaks at great length, usually to avoid voting on a bill that he or she doesn't support. Filibusters can go on for hours—but when at least 60 Senators vote for cloture, all debate stops and a vote must occur. Cloture means "closure" in French.

Definitions of cloture

1. noun

   a rule for limiting or ending debate in a deliberative body
   synonyms: closure, gag law, gag rule

   types:

   closure by compartment, guillotine

   closure imposed on the debate of specific sections of a bill

   type of:

   order, parliamentary law, parliamentary procedure, rules of order

   a body of rules followed by an assembly
2. verb

   terminate debate by calling for a vote
   “cloture the discussion”

   synonyms: closure

   type of:

   end, terminate

   bring to an end or halt