<P> In November 2013, Senate Democrats led by Harry Reid used the nuclear option to eliminate the 60 - vote rule on executive branch nominations and federal judicial appointments, but not for the Supreme Court . In April 2017, Senate Republicans led by Mitch McConnell extended the nuclear option to Supreme Court and the nomination of Neil Gorsuch ending the debate . </P> <P> As of January 2018, a three - fifths majority vote is still required to end debates on legislation . </P> <P> Beginning with a rules change in 1806, the Senate has traditionally not restricted the total time allowed for debate . In 1917, Rule XXII was amended to allow for ending debate (invoking "cloture") with a two - thirds majority, later reduced in 1975 to three - fifths of all senators "duly chosen and sworn" (usually 60). Thus, although a bill might have majority support, a minority of 41 or more senators can still prevent a final vote through endless debate, effectively defeating the bill . This tactic is known as a filibuster . </P> <P> Since the 1970s, the Senate has also used a "two - track" procedure whereby Senate business may continue on other topics while one item is filibustered . Since filibusters no longer required the minority to actually hold the floor and bring all other business to a halt, the mere threat of a filibuster has gradually become normalized . In the modern Senate, this means that any controversial item now typically requires 60 votes to advance, unless a specific exception limiting the time for debate applies . </P>

When did the senate changed to 60 votes