Date: March 7, 1975

Subject: Filibuster Rule

Description: Adoption of the resolution, as amended by the Byrd (D-WV) substitute, amending Rule 22 of the Standing Rules of the Senate to reduce from two-thirds to three-fifths of the entire Senate membership the number of votes needed to shut off a filibuster (invoke cloture) on any measure, motion or other pending business before the Senate. The resolution amending Rule 22 did not apply to efforts to change any of the Standing Rules of the Senate; to cut off a filibuster against such changes would still require a two-thirds vote of senators present and voting. This rule change makes it easier for the liberal majority to force votes on legislation that it favors.

Result: Resolution Agreed to, 56-27

Democrat: 40 Yeas, 9 Nays, 11 Not voting
Republican: 16 Yeas, 17 Nays, 5 Not voting
Independent: 0 Yeas, 1 Nays, 0 Not voting

Names ordered: By yea/nay       Order alphabetically       Order by party       Order by state

Click on a Senator's name to see more information for that Senator.