Cloture is a formal procedure used in some legislative bodies, notably the U.S. Senate, to end extended debate and move a bill or motion toward a vote. It’s often described as the mechanism to shut off a filibuster or prolonged discussion so that the chamber can proceed to a decision. Key points

• Purpose: To prevent indefinite blocking of legislation by unlimited debate and to ensure timely action on a measure.
• How it works (U.S. Senate): A cloture petition is filed, typically after a minimum number of senators sign it. If the petition gains the required support, a cloture motion is brought to a vote. If cloture passes by the required supermajority (historically three-fifths of the full Senate, i.e., 60 votes if all 100 are present), debate is limited to a set period (commonly 30 hours) and further amendments are restricted, enabling an immediate vote on the measure or motion.
• Exceptions: Certain measures may be exempt from the 60-vote threshold or governed by special procedures (for example, some budget-related bills or nominations). Rules can vary by chamber and over time.
• Other bodies: In many parliamentary systems, “cloture” (also called closure) serves a similar function—ending debate and forcing a vote—but the specific rules, thresholds, and procedures differ by country and body.

What it means in practice

• It signals a shift from broad discussion to a decision, often reflecting a desire to prevent obstruction from dragging out proceedings.
• It typically requires broad consensus or bipartisan support to overcome a determined minority filibuster.
• It does not guarantee passage; it merely ends the debate and pushes the chamber to vote, after which the bill may still be defeated or amended.

If you’d like, I can tailor this to a specific country or body (for example, the U.S. Senate vs. another parliament) and explain the exact voting thresholds and rules for that context.