This vote was a motion to invoke 'cloture' on a presidential nomination (PN13-2). Cloture is a specific procedural tool used in the Senate to limit further debate on a matter. By agreeing to this motion, the Senate has decided to stop discussing the nominee's qualifications and move toward a final decision. In the Senate, a cloture vote acts as a gatekeeper. Because members are normally allowed to speak for as long as they wish—a tactic known as a filibuster—the chamber must vote to formally end debate before they can vote on the actual appointment. While many nomination votes now require only a simple majority, this vote was subject to a higher threshold. The motion was successful with 51 senators voting in favor and 46 against. The outcome was notable for its bipartisan nature, as both the Democratic and Republican caucuses were nearly evenly split on whether to advance the nomination. Three senators did not participate in the vote.