Definition

The parliamentary equivalent of saying "okay, we've heard enough" — a motion to end debate and force a vote, requiring a supermajority in the U.S. Senate. It's democracy's way of telling long-winded senators that everyone else has places to be. Think of it as the legislative mute button for filibusters.

Example Usage

After 14 hours of debate about naming a post office, the Senate finally invoked cloture and moved to a vote.

Source: Legislative terminology via provided definition

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