Cloture is a legislative procedure used in the United States Senate to end a filibuster or limit debate on a bill. It requires a minimum of 60 votes from the 100 senators to invoke, allowing the Senate to move forward with a vote on the legislation. This mechanism is essential for maintaining order and efficiency in the legislative process. The term "cloture" comes from the French word for "closure." It was first adopted in the Senate in 1917 to address prolonged debates that hindered legislative progress. By using cloture, the Senate can ensure that important issues are addressed in a timely manner.