This vote was a 'cloture motion' concerning a presidential nomination (PN400-2). Cloture is a procedural mechanism the Senate uses to set a time limit on the discussion of a proposal. By agreeing to cloture, the Senate ensures that a nomination cannot be blocked by an indefinite filibuster and can instead move to a final up-or-down vote. In the U.S. Senate, ending debate on most legislation requires a supermajority of 60 votes. However, under current procedural rules established in 2013, most executive and judicial nominations only require a simple majority of those voting to end debate and proceed to a final vote. With a 53-46 result, the Senate agreed to end debate. This outcome allows the nomination to move to its final step: a confirmation vote. The breakdown was unusual, as both the Democratic and Republican caucuses were significantly divided on whether to move forward with this nominee.