Summary

Changes the rules for ending debate on a specific bill or joint resolution so that no chamber may require more than a simple majority of members voting, with a quorum present, to close debate. It declares this change an exercise of each chamber’s rulemaking power and makes the rule part of the chamber’s rules for the particular measure, superseding inconsistent rules to that extent while preserving each chamber’s authority to change its rules later.

• Sets ending-debate (cloture) for a covered measure at no more than a simple majority of members voting, with a quorum present.
• Makes the simple-majority cloture rule part of each chamber’s rules for the particular bill or joint resolution it accompanies.
• Declares the change an exercise of each chamber’s rulemaking power and limits supersession of other rules to the extent of inconsistency.
• Does not alter substantive law, appropriate funds, or change the tax code—it only changes legislative procedure for specific measures.
• Applies on a measure-by-measure basis and does not prevent each chamber from later changing its rules by the usual processes.
• Likely to speed floor action on measures where applied and reduce minority leverage to extend debate.
• Increases the majority party’s control over the legislative timeline for covered measures.
• Could be used repeatedly to change debate thresholds for different bills, making it a tactical tool for majority leaders.
• May provoke political and institutional debate about minority rights and the Senate/House traditions for extended debate.